Setting Up Your Git Repository Files
 

• Create a new file in the root folder of your exported v0 code called .gitignore. This file tells Git which files or folders to ignore, keeping your repository clean.
• Add the following code snippet into .gitignore:

  
  node\_modules/
  .env
  dist/
      

• Create a new file named package.json in the root folder. This file manages project dependencies and version details. Since Lovable does not support a terminal, include your dependencies right here.

  
  {
    "name": "exported-v0-project",
    "version": "1.0.0",
    "dependencies": {
      "simple-git": "latest"
    }
  }
      

 
Initializing Git Within Your Code
 

• Create a new file named versionControl.js in your project directory. This file will handle Git operations via code.
• Copy and paste the following code snippet into versionControl.js. It uses the simple-git dependency to initialize your Git repository and provide basic commit functionality:

  
  const simpleGit = require('simple-git');
  const git = simpleGit();
  
  async function initRepo() {
    try {
      await git.init();
      console.log('Repository initialized');
    } catch (err) {
      console.error('Failed to initialize repository', err);
    }
  }
  initRepo();
  async function commitChanges(message) {
    try {
      await git.add('.');
      await git.commit(message);
      console.log('Changes committed: ' + message);
    } catch (err) {
      console.error('Commit failed:', err);
    }
  }
  // Exporting commitChanges for use in other parts of the project
  module.exports = { commitChanges };
      

  
  

 
Integrating Version Control Into Your Main Code
 

• Open your main project file; this is the entry point of your exported v0 code (for example, app.js or index.js).
• At the beginning of your file, add the following line to include the Git initialization:

  
  require('./versionControl.js');
      

• Whenever you make significant changes that you want to record, use the commit function. For instance, after a new feature is added or a bug is fixed, call the commit function as shown here:

  
  const { commitChanges } = require('./versionControl');
  
  // Example: calling commitChanges when a particular action is completed
  async function addNewFeature() {
    // Your code for the new feature goes here
    // Commit the changes with a descriptive message
    await commitChanges('Added new feature for improved user interface');
  }
  addNewFeature();
      

  
  


• This setup ensures that every time you run your project, the system is aware of the Git repository, and you can record changes through simple function calls without needing a terminal.

 
Managing and Tracking Your Changes
 

• This basic version of version control helps you track and commit changes via code. Every time commitChanges is executed, your current state of files is recorded.
• You can add more advanced functionality later, such as tagging versions or rolling back changes, by expanding versionControl.js using similar code patterns.
• Because Lovable does not allow terminal commands, every Git-related action (initialization and committing) is handled through code.

 
Starting Your Git Repository
 

• In your project’s main folder, create a file named .gitignore. This file tells Git which files or folders to ignore so that unwanted files are not tracked. Place this file at the root of your codebase.
• In .gitignore, add content similar to the following:

  
  # Ignore editor settings
  .vscode/
  
  Ignore dependency folders
  node_modules/
  Ignore build and temporary files
  /dist/
  temp/
      

  
  


• This cleanup helps maintain a clear version history by not including environment or build-specific files.

 
Establishing Commit Message Guidelines
 

• Create a file named COMMIT\_GUIDELINES.txt in the root directory of your codebase.
• Inside COMMIT\_GUIDELINES.txt, write clear instructions like these:

  
  • Use concise and descriptive messages.
  • Write messages in the imperative mood (for example, "Add new feature" instead of "Added new feature").
  • Keep the summary line short (under 50 characters) and, if needed, add more detail in the body.
      

• This document acts as a reminder before committing changes, ensuring a consistent history.

 
Implementing a Branching Strategy
 

• Create a file named BRANCHING\_STRATEGY.txt at the root of your codebase.
• Provide details about how branches should be used. For example:

  
  Main branch: Contains stable version of the code.
  Development branch: All feature integrations occur here.
  Feature branches: Use separate branches for individual features or bug fixes.
      

• This structure avoids conflicts and facilitates smoother integrations of new code.

 
Tagging Releases
 

• To keep track of different versions of your codebase, create a file named RELEASE\_NOTES.txt in the root directory.
• List version tags and their changes similar to the snippet below:

  
  v0.1.0 - Initial release with core features.
  v0.2.0 - Introduced new functionality and bug fixes.
      

• This practice documents progress and helps identify stable builds.

 
Automating Code Quality Checks
 

• To ensure code quality before changes are committed, create a new folder called git-hooks in your project root.
• Inside the git-hooks folder, create a file named preCommitChecks.js with the following code:

  
  function runChecks() {
    console.log("Running pre-commit checks...");
    // Place your code quality and testing logic here
    // Return true if checks pass, or false otherwise
    return true;
  }
  
  module.exports = runChecks;
      

  
  


• Integrate this script into your commit process by calling the runChecks() function before finalizing a commit. This ensures only quality code is tracked.

 
Collaborating with Others
 

• When working with a team, consistency in handling changes is key. Create a file named COLLABORATION\_GUIDELINES.txt at the root of your project.
• Include instructions such as:

  
  • Always use a pull request when merging changes from a feature branch into development/main.
  • Perform thorough code reviews and run tests before approving merges.
  • Communicate clearly and document discussions within the pull request.
      

• This document helps maintain order and clear communication throughout your project.

 
Backing Up Your Repository
 

• To safeguard your code, create a backup mechanism. If Lovable supports scheduled tasks, include a backup script in your project.
• Create a file named backupScript.js in the root directory with code similar to:

  
  const fs = require('fs');
  
  function backupRepository() {
    // Insert backup logic, for example copying the repository folder to another location
    console.log("Repository backup complete.");
  }
  backupRepository();
      

  
  


• This script ensures that you always have a copy of your code, reducing the risk of loss.