How Can You See Who Forked Your GitHub Repository?

Understanding GitHub Forks

GitHub’s forking feature allows developers to create their own copy of a repository, enabling them to experiment with changes without affecting the original project. As a repository owner, you might be curious about who has forked your work. Fortunately, GitHub provides several ways to view this information.

Viewing Your Repository’s Forks

To see who has forked your GitHub repository:

Navigate to your repository’s main page
Click on the “Insights” tab
Select “Forks” from the left sidebar

This page displays a list of users who have forked your repository, along with additional details such as when the fork was created and last updated.

Exploring the Fork Network

For a more comprehensive view of your repository’s fork network:

Go to your repository’s main page
Click on the number of forks displayed next to the star count
This opens the network graph, showing the relationships between your repository and its forks

The network graph provides a visual representation of how different forks relate to your main repository, including branch history and commit timelines.

Benefits of Monitoring Forks

Keeping track of who forks your repository can be valuable for several reasons:

Identifying potential collaborators
Discovering interesting modifications or improvements to your project
Gauging the popularity and reach of your repository within the developer community

By regularly checking your repository’s forks, you can stay informed about how your project is being used and potentially find opportunities for collaboration or improvement.