GotHub: The OpenBSD Git Alternative That's Actually Happening

The dream of a GitHub alternative built on OpenBSD's got version control system has finally materialized into something tangible. What began as an inside joke among OpenBSD developers during a hackathon in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has evolved into GotHub - a legitimate hosting service for got repositories that runs entirely on OpenBSD infrastructure.

For those unfamiliar with got, it's OpenBSD's native version control system that's been steadily improving since its inception. The creator, Gonzalo, has been making GitHub-related jokes to stsp (a core got developer) for years, imagining what a got-based GitHub would look like. That joke has now become reality.

GotHub offers a compelling proposition: you can either run your own setup using the standard OpenBSD packages (doas pkg_add got gotd gotwebd) or opt for the convenience of cloud hosting. The service provides three community tiers - Small, Medium, and Large - plus professional versions designed for companies and large teams. Each tier includes a full VM running over vmd with got and gotwebd, giving you complete isolation in your private VM space.

The authentication system is particularly clever. Access to the web interface requires an SSH login to the server, which then provides a temporary URL for web access. This creates a secure two-step process that feels both old-school and modern at the same time. The configuration uses a straightforward syntax in gotsys.conf to define users, repositories, and web server settings.

For those transitioning from GitHub, GotHub provides comparison documentation and basic usage guides. The creator has already migrated all personal repositories from GitHub to GotHub, using Microsoft's storage space only for mainstream projects that specifically require it. This hybrid approach acknowledges the reality of modern development while supporting open alternatives.

The project has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in Slovenia. What started as a small experiment is now expanding monthly with new functions, options, and services. The interface is described as intuitive and straightforward, with a live demo available at demo.gothub.org for anyone wanting to explore the platform.

While the announcement includes a tongue-in-cheek reference to an upcoming AI agent (followed by "not!"), it's clear the project takes itself seriously as a viable alternative to centralized code hosting platforms. The OpenBSD foundation's commitment to security and simplicity shines through in the design.

For developers interested in supporting decentralized, open-source infrastructure or those already invested in the OpenBSD ecosystem, GotHub represents an intriguing option. The service offers the independence of self-hosting with the convenience of managed infrastructure, all built on the rock-solid foundation of OpenBSD's got system.

The project's growth trajectory suggests it's filling a genuine need in the developer community - a need for alternatives to the dominant players in code hosting that align with the values of openness, security, and user control that OpenBSD embodies.