User:Kim/Project Proposal (Gitpub)
What do you want to make?
Gitpub is a tool to create a printed or web-based publication from a git repository including repository metadata. This tool is not bound to any specific environment yet, but could have different interfaces such as a website or a terminal program.
The git api is the basis of the tool. A user can easily choose a repository as an endpoint and select different types of meta data to include, such as Commit Messages, Commit Authors, Timestamps, amount of changes made etc. There will be options for personalizing the appearance of the publication through pre-made styles or custom CSS.
How do you plan to make it?
At the moment (fri sep 26th) of first creating this Project Proposal draft I have a proof of concept prototype which consists of two bash scripts: the first script fetches the repositories meta data and writes it to a markdown file. The second script sorts all files and converts them into an impositioned pdf - ready to print as a booklet.
What is your timetable?
Why do you want to make it?
This meta data is produced by means of version control, an integral part of the git software, and either neglected or exploited to reinforce hypercapitalist modes of production. Making meta data part of the publication is an act of decentering the main body of text (or work) where software in use becomes not just a means to an end but presents itself as Git programming environment, collaborating on code, publishing / documenting code (there are some other uses like fonts) the program is part of the writing making apparent software, process, how we write but also are written by technology