The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source Inside GitHub's Arctic Code Vault (Interview)
Sep 4, 2020
Jon Evans, founding director of the GitHub Archive Program and an award-winning author and journalist, shares insights on the groundbreaking GitHub Arctic Code Vault initiative. He discusses the innovative method of preserving open source software in a decommissioned coal mine for 1,000 years, emphasizing inclusivity in repository selection. The conversation also delves into the challenges of digital data longevity, the implications of legacy code, and the philosophical significance of preserving knowledge for future generations.
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Exploring Archival Methods
- Jon Evans explored various archival methods, including ceramic tablets in salt mines and data storage on the moon, before choosing the Arctic Code Vault.
- Existing projects like The Memory of Mankind and the ARC Project offered interesting but impractical solutions for GitHub's needs.
Inclusive Archiving
- GitHub aimed for democratic inclusivity by archiving all active public repositories, not just popular ones.
- This approach contrasts with historical archives, which often prioritized the elite, missing valuable everyday insights.
Data Format and Accessibility
- GitHub's Arctic Code Vault uses hardened microfilm, chosen for its longevity and readability with basic tools.
- Each reel includes human-readable instructions and an index, ensuring future accessibility even without specialized technology.