fossil

distributed version control with integrated project management

TLDR

Initialize new repository

$ fossil init [repo.fossil]

Clone a repository

$ fossil clone [url] [repo.fossil]

Open repository in directory

$ fossil open [repo.fossil]

Check status

$ fossil status

Add files

$ fossil add [file]

Commit changes

$ fossil commit -m "[message]"

View timeline

$ fossil timeline

Start web UI

$ fossil ui

SYNOPSIS

fossil command [options] [args]

fossil is a distributed version control system designed for software projects, combining source control with bug tracking, wiki documentation, and web-based project management in a single tool. Unlike Git, Fossil stores everything in a single SQLite database file.
Created by D. Richard Hipp for managing the SQLite project, Fossil emphasizes simplicity and self-containment. The repository file includes complete project history, tickets, wiki pages, and technical notes. This design makes backups trivial and eliminates synchronization issues between separate systems.
Fossil includes a built-in web interface accessible via fossil ui, providing browsing, ticket management, and wiki editing without external tools. The system uses content-addressable storage and cryptographic checksums to ensure data integrity.
The autosync feature keeps repositories synchronized automatically, simplifying distributed development. Fossil's branching model encourages feature branches and includes timeline visualization showing development history graphically.

CONFIGURATION

_FOSSIL_

SQLite database file containing repository, wiki, tickets, and all metadata.

~/.fossil

User settings and global ignore patterns.

SUBCOMMANDS

init

Create new repository.

clone

Clone a repository.

open

Open repository checkout.

status

Show working copy status.

add

Add files.

commit

Record changes.

pull

Pull from remote.

push

Push to remote.

sync

Sync with remote.

Start web interface.

timeline

Show commit history.

CAVEATS

Different workflow from Git requires adjustment. Single repository file can grow large for projects with many binary assets. Less ecosystem support than Git for integrations and tools.

HISTORY

Fossil was created by D. Richard Hipp in 2006 to manage the SQLite project. Frustrated with existing version control systems, Hipp designed Fossil to integrate all project management needs into one tool. It has been the primary version control for SQLite and other projects since its inception.