yadm

Initialize a new dotfiles repository

$ yadm init

$ yadm clone [https://github.com/user/dotfiles.git]

$ yadm add [~/.bashrc]

$ yadm commit -m "[message]"

$ yadm push

$ yadm pull

$ yadm list -a

$ yadm encrypt

$ yadm decrypt

yadm command [options]

yadm (Yet Another Dotfiles Manager) manages dotfiles using Git while keeping them in their natural locations in $HOME. Any Git command works with yadm, making it easy to learn for Git users.
The repository is stored in ~/.local/share/yadm/repo.git with $HOME as the working tree. Files stay in place; yadm tracks them without requiring symlinks or copying.
Key features include alternate files (system-specific configurations based on hostname, OS, or user), templates using Jinja2 or envtpl for dynamic configuration, and encryption for sensitive data using GPG, OpenSSL, transcrypt, or git-crypt.
The bootstrap command runs ~/.config/yadm/bootstrap after cloning, enabling automated setup of new machines.

init

Initialize a new dotfiles repository

Clone a remote dotfiles repository

Add files to the repository

Record changes to the repository

Upload changes to remote repository

Download changes from remote repository

List managed files (-a for all)

Encrypt files matching patterns in ~/.config/yadm/encrypt

Decrypt files from the encrypted archive

Create symbolic links and process templates for alternate files

Run a sub-shell with Git variables set

Manage yadm configuration (works like git config)

Run the bootstrap script if it exists

yadm requires Git; encryption features require GPG or another supported tool. The working tree is $HOME by default, so be careful with destructive Git operations. Alternate files and templates may need manual yadm alt after changes.

yadm was created by Tim Byrne as a simple dotfiles manager that leverages Git directly without complex abstractions. First released around 2015, it gained popularity for its philosophy that managing dotfiles should be as simple as using Git, while adding features like encryption and system-specific alternates.

git(1), stow(1), chezmoi(1), dotbot(1)