Moving a local Git repository from an internal drive to an external hard drive on an M1 Mac Mini running macOS Big Sur (Sonoma 14.6.1) can be a straightforward process. However, it's essential to be aware of some specific considerations when dealing with APFS file systems and case-insensitive file names. In this article, we'll outline the steps to move your Git repository to an external hard drive while ensuring your files maintain their intended case.
Prerequisites
Make sure you have the following:
- An M1 Mac Mini running macOS Big Sur (Sonoma 14.6.1)
- An external hard drive formatted with APFS file system
- Your local Git repository
Step 1: Backup your Git Repository
Before making any changes, it's essential to create a backup of your local Git repository. You can do this by cloning the repository to another location on your internal drive or an external drive.
git clone
Step 2: Move the Git Repository to the External Hard Drive
First, navigate to the directory containing your local Git repository and create a symbolic link to the new location on the external hard drive. Make sure the external hard drive is mounted before executing the following commands.
mkdir /GitRepos
cd
ln -s /GitRepos/ <.git/config>
Now, move the entire repository to the external hard drive using the 'mv' command.
mv .git /GitRepos/
Step 3: Update the Working Directory
Update your working directory to the new location on the external hard drive.
cd /GitRepos/
Step 4: Test the Git Repository
Ensure the repository functions correctly by checking the status and making a commit.
git status
git add .
git commit -m "Moved Git repository to external hard drive"
In summary, moving a local Git repository from an internal drive to an external hard drive on an M1 Mac Mini running macOS Big Sur (Sonoma 14.6.1) can be accomplished by creating a backup, moving the repository, and updating the working directory. By following these steps, you can maintain the intended case of your files when working with APFS file systems.