git-verify-pack - Linux

Overview

git-verify-pack verifies the integrity of a packfile, checking that the packfile’s contents match the individual objects they represent. It is commonly used to validate the consistency of packfiles, particularly after they have been transferred or modified.

Syntax

git verify-pack [<packfile>]

Options/Flags

  • -v, –verbose: Output verbose progress messages during verification.
  • -q, –quiet: Disable progress messages.
  • -s, –shallow: Verify the shallow packfile header only, without checking individual objects.
  • -n, –check-signature: Verify the GPG signature of the packfile header.
  • -m, –memory=: Limit memory usage to the specified <limit>.

Examples

1. Verify the integrity of a packfile:

git verify-pack packfile.pack

2. Verify the shallow packfile header only:

git verify-pack -s packfile.pack

3. Verify the GPG signature of the packfile header:

git verify-pack -n packfile.pack

Common Issues

Error: Pack checksum mismatch

This error indicates that the packfile’s contents do not match the expected checksum. It can occur if the packfile has been corrupted or modified.

Solution:

  • Check if the packfile was properly transferred or downloaded.
  • Try recovering the packfile from a backup or source repository.

Error: GPG signature verification failed

This error occurs when verifying the GPG signature of the packfile header fails. It can indicate that the signature is incorrect or has been tampered with.

Solution:

  • Check if the keyring containing the signing key is available and correct.
  • Make sure the packfile has not been modified since it was signed.

Integration

git-verify-pack can be integrated into scripts and workflows to automate packfile integrity checks. For example, it can be used in a post-receive hook to verify the integrity of packfiles received from remote repositories.

Related Commands