Why Does Git Open Repositories in the /run/ Folder?
Have you ever noticed that your Git client sometimes opens local repositories within the /run/ folder, seemingly out of nowhere? This unexpected behavior can be confusing, especially if you're used to finding your repositories in their usual locations. Let's delve into the reason behind this peculiar behavior.
Understanding the /run/ Folder
The /run/ folder in Linux systems serves as a temporary file system for system-specific runtime information. Files and directories within this folder are typically used for processes running on the system and are often ephemeral, meaning they disappear once the process ends.
The Scenario: Git in the /run/ Folder
Here's a common scenario where you might encounter this behavior:
git clone https://github.com/user/repository.git
cd repository
git status
After running these commands, you might find that your Git client opens the repository within a folder like /run/user/1000/gvfs/sftp:host:port/path/to/repository.
Why Does This Happen?
This behavior is primarily attributed to the interaction between Git and graphical file managers like Nautilus, Thunar, or KDE's Dolphin. When you open a Git repository through a graphical file manager, they often use the gvfs (Gnome Virtual File System) to access the files.
gvfs allows you to mount remote filesystems like FTP, SFTP, or network shares. When you open a Git repository located on a remote server, gvfs might mount the repository in the /run/ folder for temporary access. This is because gvfs typically prefers to mount temporary filesystems in this location.
Analyzing the Behavior
The key takeaway is that the Git client itself doesn't actually "open" the repository in the /run/ folder. It's the graphical file manager that is interacting with the remote repository via gvfs and temporarily mounting it within the /run/ folder.
Addressing the Issue
If you find this behavior disruptive, you can adjust how your file manager handles remote connections. Many file managers offer settings to control where and how they mount remote filesystems. For example, you can try:
- Changing the default mount point: Some file managers allow you to specify a different location for mounting remote filesystems.
- Disabling the use of
gvfs: If you prefer, you can try disablinggvfsaltogether, but this might impact other features that rely on it.
Conclusion
The appearance of Git repositories in the /run/ folder is a consequence of how gvfs manages remote file access. It's a temporary behavior tied to the interaction between your file manager and the remote server. You can adjust your file manager settings to change this behavior if it bothers you.
Note: Remember that any changes you make to your file manager settings might affect other aspects of your system, so it's always a good idea to back up your data before making significant adjustments.
