Over two months after its previous 2.50 release, Git, a distributed version control system and cornerstone tool in software development that helps developers efficiently manage changes in their code across projects, has just released its new 2.51 version.
A major focus is on multi-pack indexes (MIDX). Git now supports cruft-free MIDX repacks with a new option, “repack.MIDXMustContainCruft,” which ensures cruft packs are always included when rewriting packfiles. This makes repacks smaller and more efficient while keeping repository data consistent.
The release also debuts a “path-walk” method for pack creation. Instead of selecting objects using the previous reachability walk, this new approach produces leaner packfiles by walking trees by path, cutting down both size and repack time—an improvement especially noticeable in repositories with extensive histories.
Another key change is the introduction of a stash format that can be exported and imported. Previously, stashes were limited to a single machine, but the new format allows them to be pushed and pulled between repositories, much like branches. This expands how developers can manage temporary changes across different environments.
As always, this update comes with a lot of bug fixes, updated documentation, and smaller quality-of-life refinements. More details about all the changes in Git 2.51 can be found in the official announcement.
