git-multi-pack-index(1)
=======================

NAME
----
git-multi-pack-index - Write and verify multi-pack-indexes


SYNOPSIS
--------
[verse]
'git multi-pack-index' [--object-dir=<dir>] [--[no-]bitmap] <sub-command>

DESCRIPTION
-----------
Write or verify a multi-pack-index (MIDX) file.

OPTIONS
-------

--object-dir=<dir>::
	Use given directory for the location of Git objects. We check
	`<dir>/packs/multi-pack-index` for the current MIDX file, and
	`<dir>/packs` for the pack-files to index.
+
`<dir>` must be an alternate of the current repository.

--[no-]progress::
	Turn progress on/off explicitly. If neither is specified, progress is
	shown if standard error is connected to a terminal. Supported by
	sub-commands `write`, `verify`, `expire`, and `repack.

The following subcommands are available:

write::
	Write a new MIDX file. The following options are available for
	the `write` sub-command:
+
--
	--preferred-pack=<pack>::
		When specified, break ties in favor of this pack when
		there are additional copies of its objects in other
		packs. Ties for objects not found in the preferred
		pack are always resolved in favor of the copy in the
		pack with the highest mtime. If unspecified, the pack
		with the lowest mtime is used by default. The
		preferred pack must have at least one object.

	--[no-]bitmap::
		Control whether or not a multi-pack bitmap is written.

	--stdin-packs::
		Write a multi-pack index containing only the set of
		line-delimited pack index basenames provided over stdin.

	--refs-snapshot=<path>::
		With `--bitmap`, optionally specify a file which
		contains a "refs snapshot" taken prior to repacking.
+
A reference snapshot is composed of line-delimited OIDs corresponding to
the reference tips, usually taken by `git repack` prior to generating a
new pack. A line may optionally start with a `+` character to indicate
that the reference which corresponds to that OID is "preferred" (see
linkgit:git-config[1]'s `pack.preferBitmapTips`.)
+
The file given at `<path>` is expected to be readable, and can contain
duplicates. (If a given OID is given more than once, it is marked as
preferred if at least one instance of it begins with the special `+`
marker).

	--incremental::
		Write an incremental MIDX file containing only objects
		and packs not present in an existing MIDX layer.
		Migrates non-incremental MIDXs to incremental ones when
		necessary. Incompatible with `--bitmap`.
--

verify::
	Verify the contents of the MIDX file.

expire::
	Delete the pack-files that are tracked by the MIDX file, but
	have no