LinuxCommandLibrary

git-blame-someone-else

Attribute commits to another committer/author

TLDR

Change the committer and author of a commit

$ git blame-someone-else "[author <someone@example.com>]" [commit]
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SYNOPSIS

git blame-someone-else [options] <file> (assuming it's an alias for blame)

PARAMETERS

<file>
    The file to 'blame' with altered authorship.

[options]
    Standard git blame options. The specific options that work will depend on how the git blame-someone-else alias is implemented.

DESCRIPTION

The git blame-someone-else script (often a shell script or similar) is a humorous, non-standard command meant to be used in jest or as a demonstration of how Git's blame functionality can be manipulated. It doesn't actually change the Git history permanently, but it *temporarily* modifies the output of `git blame` to show a different author for specific lines of code. This command is not a part of standard git installation.
This is usually achieved by modifying the `.git/config` file to alias the blame command. For example, creating a git alias to rewrite blame for lines from a specific author.
This script serves as a reminder that `git blame`, while useful, shouldn't be considered definitive proof of authorship, particularly in untrusted repositories. It showcases how a malicious actor could potentially obfuscate the true origin of code changes.

CAVEATS

This command only alters the output of git blame. It does not change the actual Git history. The changes are local and temporary. It will not work for code signing purposes.
It also depends on the specific implementation of the script. It's crucial to inspect its source code before usage to understand its behavior.

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

Never rely solely on git blame output, especially from untrusted sources. Always verify authorship through multiple means, such as code reviews, project contribution history, and independent verification.

IMPLEMENTATION VARIATIONS

Different implementations of git blame-someone-else exist. Some might use environment variables, configuration settings, or shell scripting to achieve the desired effect. Always examine the specific implementation you're using.

DISCLAIMER

Use this command responsibly and ethically. Avoid using it to deceive others or misrepresent the true authorship of code.

HISTORY

The git blame-someone-else command is a community developed solution, and it is not part of the official git distribution. It emerged as a playful illustration of the limitations of `git blame` and the potential for manipulating its output. Its development history is scattered across various online forums and blog posts, with no centralized development repository.

SEE ALSO

git blame(1), git log(1), git config(1)

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