Repository Visibility

VisibilityAccessBest For
PrivateYou + invited collaboratorsPersonal projects, early-stage work, sensitive code
InternalAll App State GitHub Enterprise usersCampus collaboration, shared tools, reusable code
PublicNot available (use personal GitHub.com)N/A

Learn more about Setting Repository Visibility.

What is Innersource?

Innersource applies open-source practices within App State. Making code "open" to the campus while keeping it internal to the university.

Benefits

For authors

  • Increased visibility
  • Potential collaborators
  • Reduced support burden

For users:

  • Discover existing solutions
  • Learn from colleagues
  • Adapt proven code

For App State:

  • Reduced duplication
  • Faster problem-solving
  • Better ROI on development

Making Code Internal

  • [ ] No sensitive data (passwords, keys, PII)
  • [ ] Has README explaining purpose and usage
  • [ ] Code is documented
  • [ ] Comfortable with campus visibility

Repository → Settings → Danger Zone → Change visibility → Internal

Best Practices

Document clearly:

  • What does it do?
  • How to install/use it?
  • Requirements?
  • Who to contact?

Add a LICENSE file (MIT, Apache 2.0, or Creative Commons)

Maintain responsively:

  • Fix bugs
  • Update documentation
  • Archive if unmaintained

Search before building: Check if solution already exists

Give credit: Cite original repository, acknowledge authors

Contribute back: Submit bug fixes and improvements via pull requests

Be respectful: Provide constructive feedback, write helpful bug reports

Use clear naming: appstate-room-scheduler not project-v2

Add topics: Python, data-analysis, automation, etc.

Write descriptive summaries: "Python script for processing attendance data"

Promote your work: Share in meetings, mailing lists, publications

Never include:

  • Passwords, API keys, credentials
  • PII or student data
  • Confidential university information

Use environment variables:

import os
db_password = os.environ.get('DB_PASSWORD')

Include .env.example:

DB_HOST=localhost
DB_USER=your_username
DB_PASSWORD=your_password_here

Add .gitignore:

.env
*.key
*.pem
credentials.json
ActionSteps
Make repo internalSettings → Change visibility → Internal
Search for codeGitHub search → Filter by Organizations
Give feedbackOpen issue or submit pull request
Get helpITS Support

Start small: Share one utility, contribute to one project, and build App State's collaborative culture.