Local Repositories

Work with folders on your computer without GitHub

Overview

Local repositories let you work on projects stored on your computer without uploading to GitHub. Perfect for:

• Private projects you want to keep offline
• Quick experiments and prototypes
• Projects with sensitive data
• Working without an internet connection

Importing a Local Repository

Step by Step

1. Click the Repository dropdown in the top bar
2. Select Import Local Repository
3. Click Choose Folder
4. Select a folder from your computer
5. TeamIDE scans the folder and shows:
   • Whether it’s a Git repository
   • Number of files
   • Total size
6. Click Import

What Happens During Import

• Files are copied into an isolated container
• Files matching .gitignore patterns are skipped
• Original files on your computer are never modified
• A progress bar shows the import status

Finding Local Repositories

To see your local repositories:

1. Click the Owner dropdown in the top bar
2. Select Local
3. The repository list shows only local repositories

Working with Local Repos

Everything Works the Same

Local repositories have all the same features as GitHub repos:

• Edit files in the editor
• Use the terminal
• Create, rename, delete files
• View file history (if it’s a Git repo)
• Make commits
• Create branches

Git Support

If your local folder is a Git repository:

• Changes tab shows modified files
• History tab shows commit history
• You can stage and commit changes
• All Git features work normally

If your folder is not a Git repo, you can initialize one:

git init

Local vs GitHub Repositories

Publishing to GitHub

To publish a local repository to GitHub:

1. Create a new repository on GitHub.com

2. Open the terminal in TeamIDE

3. Add the remote:

   git remote add origin https://github.com/username/repo.git

4. Push your code:

   git branch -M main
   git push -u origin main

Your local repository is now on GitHub too.

Limitations

No Remote Sync

• Cannot push or pull (no remote configured)
• Manual backup required for important work
• No automatic sync between devices

Single User

• Only you can access the repository
• No built-in sharing mechanism
• To share, publish to GitHub first

Container Storage

• Files live in an isolated container
• If the container is deleted, data is lost
• Export important work regularly

Tips

• Initialize Git: Run git init in new folders to enable version control
• Regular commits: Commit often to maintain history, even without pushing
• Backup important work: Copy files out periodically or publish to GitHub
• Use for experiments: Great for trying things without cluttering GitHub

Browser Compatibility

Importing local folders works best in: - Google Chrome - Microsoft Edge - Other Chromium-based browsers

Firefox uses a fallback method that may have limitations.

Related

• Getting Started - First steps with TeamIDE
• Git Integration - Version control
• Authentication - Connecting GitHub

Changelog