Protocol 01
Git is fundamental
Git must play an architectural or operational role beyond storing the project's source code.
The Mission
Charting the unexplored territory inside Git.
Gitstronaut is an open-source lab founded by Thomas Hinson to explore original ways of expanding Git beyond conventional source control. The first discoveries originate largely in DevSecOps, where auditability, portability, and disconnected operation make Git especially compelling.
Field Definition
What makes a Gitstronaut?
Not every project stored in Git is a Gitstronaut.
A Gitstronaut begins with an original idea for expanding what Git can do, turns that idea into open-source software, and documents what the expedition discovers. Together, these projects and their maintainers form the Gitstroverse.
Entry Protocol
Acceptance criteria
Protocol 02
The idea is original
The project explores a distinctive way to use or extend Git rather than simply recreating a conventional Git client.
Protocol 03
The work is open source
Its source is public and released under a recognized open-source license.
Protocol 04
There is something to inspect
A Docked project may be unreleased, but it must have a credible implementation—not only an idea.
Protocol 05
The role of Git is explained
Every profile identifies what Git enables and why it belongs at the center of the project.
Protocol 06
Maturity is stated honestly
Status, limitations, supported environments, and maintenance expectations remain visible.
Protocol 07
Participation is possible
Released projects provide a reasonable path for feedback, issues, and contributions.
Protocol 08
A maintainer is accountable
Every Gitstronaut identifies at least one active maintainer responsible for its project and profile.
Operating Model
Open source. Self-hosted. Inspectable.
Gitstronauts are software projects, not hosted services operated by this lab. Source code, releases, deployment artifacts, and instructions are published through GitHub so each crew can inspect and operate a project for itself.
Expedition Crew
Built to grow beyond one maintainer.
Thomas Hinson founded the lab and maintains its first discoveries. The longer mission is to welcome other maintainers whose open-source projects meet the same standard for originality, utility, and candor.
Begin with the current discoveries, inspect their source, and report what you find in the field.