Backup and restore a Git repository

About

Backing up a Git repository means creating a safe copy of the entire repo (including commits, branches, tags, configuration, and history) so it can be restored if the original is lost or corrupted.

Restoring a Git repository means recreating the original repository from the backup so that work can resume with full version control history.

Why do we need it?

• Protect against accidental deletion or data loss

• Transfer a repo between machines or users

• Create an offline copy

• Archive a project at a stable point

What Does a Backup Contain?

A full backup includes:

• All commits and branches (history)

• Tags

• Remote settings (optional)

• Git configuration

• Repository data from .git/ directory

Backup Methods

Method 1: Clone as a Bare Repository (Recommended for Backup)

A bare repository contains only Git data without working files.

git clone --bare https://example.com/our-repo.git

This creates a folder like:

our-repo.git/

This directory contains only .git data and is ideal for backup purposes.

We can store this on:

• USB drives

• External HDD/SSD

• Network drives

• Cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, S3)

Method 2: Zip the Project Folder with .git

If we have a local repo (non-bare), and we want to back it up including the working directory:

cd our-project-folder
zip -r backup.zip .

This keeps both the .git folder (which holds history) and our working files.

Important: Make sure the .git folder is included. Without it, we lose all Git history.

Method 3: Mirror Clone

This is an advanced option that includes all refs (branches, tags, remotes):

git clone --mirror https://example.com/our-repo.git

This is similar to a --bare clone but includes all refs and remote configuration, making it ideal for syncing or server backups.

Restore Methods

1. Restore from Bare Clone

If we used --bare to create a backup:

git clone our-repo.git

This will create a working directory clone from our bare backup.

2. Restore from Zip File

If we zipped the working directory, just unzip:

unzip backup.zip

Then navigate into the folder and continue using Git as usual.

3. Restore from Mirror Clone

If we used --mirror, push it to a new remote:

cd our-repo.git
git push --mirror https://new-remote-url.com/new-repo.git

This restores everything (branches, tags, remote refs) to the new server.