Fork a Repository

Forking a repository creates a personal copy of someone else's project. This is the first step in contributing to open source projects.

What is Forking?

When you fork a repository, you create a complete copy of the project under your GitHub account. This allows you to:

• Make changes without affecting the original project
• Experiment freely with your own copy
• Propose changes back to the original project via pull requests

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Find the Repository

Navigate to the repository you want to contribute to. For example:

https://github.com/AryanVBW/LinuxDroid

Step 2: Click the Fork Button

1. Look for the Fork button in the top-right corner of the repository page
2. Click the Fork button
3. GitHub will show you a "Create a new fork" page

Step 3: Configure Your Fork

On the fork creation page:

• Owner: Select your GitHub account
• Repository name: Usually keep the same name (you can change it if needed)
• Description: Optional - add a description
• Copy the main branch only: Check this if you only need the main branch

Step 4: Create Fork

Click the Create fork button. GitHub will:

• Create a copy of the repository under your account
• Redirect you to your new forked repository

Verify Your Fork

After forking, you should see:

1. Your username in the repository URL:

   https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/LinuxDroid

2. "Forked from" notice below the repository name:

   forked from AryanVBW/LinuxDroid

3. All the files and folders from the original repository

What Happens After Forking?

Your Fork is Independent

• Changes you make to your fork don't affect the original repository
• You have full control over your fork
• You can delete your fork anytime without affecting the original

Staying in Sync

Your fork is a snapshot of the original repository at the time you forked it. To keep it updated:

1. The original repository may receive new updates
2. Your fork won't automatically update
3. You'll need to sync your fork manually (we'll cover this in later tutorials)

Common Questions

Can I fork any repository?

Yes! You can fork any public repository on GitHub. For private repositories, you need appropriate permissions.

How many times can I fork a repository?

You can only have one fork of a repository per account. If you need multiple copies, you can:

• Use different GitHub accounts
• Clone your fork multiple times locally
• Create branches in your fork

What if I make a mistake?

Don't worry! You can:

• Delete your fork and fork again
• Reset your fork to match the original
• Create a new branch and start over

Next Steps

Now that you have forked the repository, you're ready to:

1. Clone the repository to your computer
2. Create a new branch for your changes
3. Make your first contribution

Tips for Success

• Fork before cloning: Always fork first, then clone your fork (not the original)
• Keep your fork updated: Regularly sync with the original repository
• Use descriptive names: If you rename your fork, use a clear, descriptive name
• Don't be afraid: Forking is safe - you can't break the original repository

Troubleshooting

"Fork" button is grayed out

Possible reasons:

• You've already forked this repository
• You're viewing your own repository
• You don't have permission (for private repos)

Solution: Check if you already have a fork by visiting github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/REPO_NAME

Can't find my fork

Solution: Go to your GitHub profile and click on "Repositories" tab. Your fork should be listed there.

Additional Resources

• GitHub Docs: Forking a Repository
• Understanding Forks vs Clones