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Document efficient repository cloning #1090

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Document efficient repository cloning
jamesmontemagno Aug 30, 2026
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Clarify shallow clone branch
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Address efficient clone review feedback
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22 changes: 22 additions & 0 deletions CONTRIBUTING.md
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Expand Up @@ -9,6 +9,28 @@ This repository contains shared building blocks for coding agents:

Because these artifacts can affect many users and workflows, we prioritize correctness, clarity, and long term maintainability over speed.

## Cloning efficiently

This repository has generated dashboard branches with substantial history. For a
contributor clone that retains the `main` branch history, use:

```bash
git clone --branch main --filter=blob:none --single-branch https://github.com/dotnet/skills.git
```

`--single-branch` excludes the disconnected generated branches, while
`--filter=blob:none` avoids downloading historical file contents until needed;
files required for the initial checkout are still downloaded.

For CI or read-only use that needs only the latest `main` snapshot, use:

```bash
git clone --branch main --depth=1 --single-branch https://github.com/dotnet/skills.git
```

The shallow option omits older `main` history, so it is not recommended when that
history is needed for development.

## Code ownership

Every plugin, skill, and agent must have designated owners in the `.github/CODEOWNERS` file. When you add a new skill or agent, add a matching CODEOWNERS entry. Ownership must be either:
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