fossil-new

View documentation for the original command

$ tldr fossil init

fossil new REPOSITORY [OPTIONS]

--admin-user|-A USER
    Sets USER as the initial repository administrator. Defaults to current system user.

--date|-D DATE
    Sets date of initial commit as YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS. Defaults to current time.

--initial-checkin|-I TEXT
    Provides Markdown-formatted text for the initial check-in comment. Defaults to empty.

--private
    Makes the repository private, disabling automatic synchronization.

--workdir|-W DIR
    Specifies initial working checkout directory. Defaults to '_' prefixed basename of repository.

The fossil new command initializes a brand new Fossil repository, which is a self-contained, distributed version control system similar to Git but with built-in wiki, bug tracking, and forum features. Fossil repositories are single-file SQLite databases, making them portable and efficient.

When invoked, it creates an empty repository at the specified path, optionally setting an administrator user, timestamp, initial commit message, and privacy settings. The repository starts with a default empty check-in unless an initial check-in text is provided via --initial-checkin. This command is the starting point for any Fossil project, akin to git init.

Fossil emphasizes simplicity, with no external dependencies beyond the fossil binary itself. Repositories can be cloned via HTTP, SSH, or file copy. The command supports creating a companion working directory for immediate checkouts, streamlining project setup. It's ideal for standalone projects or teams preferring integrated tools over separate services like GitHub.

Requires write permissions to target directory. Global options like -v (verbose) and -q (quiet) apply. Repository file extension typically .fossil.

fossil new myproject.fossil --admin-user alice --initial-checkin 'Initial project setup.'
fossil open myproject.fossil

After creation, use fossil open to checkout, fossil add files, and fossil commit changes. Clone with fossil clone.

Introduced with Fossil SCM in 2007 by D. Richard Hipp (SQLite author). Evolved through versions; current in Fossil 2.24+ with enhanced Markdown support for initial check-ins and privacy options.

fossil(1), git-init(1), hg(1)