To gitignore or not to gitignore: Should Go\'s vendor/ folder be excluded from version control?

The Debate over gitignoring Go's vendor/ Folder

The dilemma of whether to add Go's vendor/ folder to the .gitignore file is a recurring question in the development community. Some argue for excluding it, while others advocate for its inclusion.

Case for Inclusion

• Github's own gitignore template doesn't exclude vendor/ because its contents should be versioned to avoid potential reference changes, disappearing projects, or tool evolution that may break compatibility.
• If modifications to vendor dependencies are tracked in the Git repository, it's essential to keep them under version control.

Case for Exclusion

• gitignore.io, a widely used gitignore template, does exclude vendor/ because it's generated by tools.
• Excluding vendor/ reduces repository size and clutter, especially if vendoring is not a requirement for all team members.
• Vendoring external dependencies can increase the risk of introducing vulnerabilities or compatibility issues.

Alternative Approaches

Beyond the binary choice of gitignoring vendor/, alternative strategies can address concerns:

• Virtual Environments: Docker and virtualization can standardize development environments, minimizing the need for vendoring.
• Hybrid Approach: Keep vendor/ out of version control but provide scripts or documentation for generating it locally.
• Private Repository: Maintain a private repository for vendored dependencies, which can be referenced by the main project.
• Go Modules: The current Go dependency management standard, Go Modules, allows for precise versioning, potentially eliminating the need for vendoring.

Ultimately, the decision rests on project-specific requirements and team collaboration dynamics. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each approach, developers can make informed decisions about gitignoring vendor/ and ensuring a stable and consistent development environment.

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