← Glossary
What does "fork" mean in programming?
fork 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
A personal copy of someone else's repository on your account. Forking lets you experiment with changes without affecting the original project, and is the standard way to contribute to open-source.
Example
"Fork the repository, make your changes, and open a pull request."
Word forms
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| fork | verb (infinitive) | To copy a repository under your own account to modify independently | "Fork the repo and send a pull request with your changes." |
| forked | past tense | Already copied as an independent repository | "She forked the project and added a new authentication module." |
| forking | gerund | In the process of creating an independent copy | "Forking is the standard workflow for open-source contributions." |
Related terms
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