Sharing a GitHub repository link can mean two things: providing the URL for viewing or inviting someone to collaborate.
Here's how you can share your GitHub repository:
The simplest way to share a GitHub repository is by providing its unique web address, or URL. This allows others to view the repository's code, files, and history, assuming they have the necessary permissions (repositories are public by default unless you make them private).
- Navigate to the repository page on GitHub.com.
- Copy the URL from your web browser's address bar. It will typically look something like
https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/YOUR_REPOSITORY_NAME. - Share this URL via email, chat, documentation, or any other communication method.
- For Public Repositories: Anyone with the link can view the repository content.
- For Private Repositories: Only users who have already been given access (as collaborators or through team membership) can view the repository using the link.
Inviting Collaborators for Contribution
If you want someone to be able to contribute to your repository (e.g., push code, manage issues), you need to invite them as a collaborator. This grants them specific access permissions beyond just viewing.
Here's how to invite a collaborator, incorporating the process described:
- Go to the main page of your repository on GitHub.
- Click the Settings tab near the top of the page.
- In the left sidebar, click Collaborators and teams.
- Under the "Manage access" section, find the "Add people" box and click the Add collaborator button.
- In the search field, start typing the name of person you want to invite (their GitHub username or email address), then click a name in the list of matches.
- Click Add NAME to REPOSITORY.
After performing these steps, the user you invited will receive an email inviting them to the repository. Once they accept your invitation, they will have collaborator access to your repository. You can manage their permission level (Read, Triage, Write, Maintain, Admin) depending on how much access you want them to have.
Here's a quick summary of the methods:
| Method | Purpose | Access Level Provided | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharing Repository URL | Viewing Repository Content | View Only (for public) / Existing Permissions (for private) | Anyone with the link (public) / Users with prior access (private) |
| Inviting Collaborator | Contributing to the Repository | Specific Permissions (Read, Write, Admin, etc.) | Designated GitHub Users |
Choose the method that best suits whether you just want someone to see the code or actively work on it with you.
