← Glossary
What does "clone" mean in programming?
clone is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
To copy a remote Git repository to your local machine. Cloning downloads the entire history and files so you can work offline.
Example
"Run git clone to get a local copy of the project."
Word forms
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| clone | verb (infinitive) | To download a full copy of a remote repository to your machine | "Clone the repo to start working locally." |
| cloned | past tense | Already downloaded as a local copy | "I cloned the project and ran the tests." |
| cloning | gerund | In the process of downloading a repository | "Cloning large repositories can take a few minutes." |
Related terms
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