Regraft

Regraft is a free and open source command-line tool designed to help developers copy code from any git repository, adapt it to their own projects, and continue receiving upstream updates even after making local modifications. It addresses the common challenge of maintaining copied or forked code by tracking the origin and history of each file, enabling seamless merges and minimizing the risk of copied code becoming outdated.

The workflow in Regraft centers on a five-command loop: add, edit, note, pull, and resolve. Developers can use regraft add to import directories or individual files from any git repository, including those hosted on platforms like GitHub, GitLab, self-hosted servers, or even private repositories, as long as git clone works with the user’s credentials. json file, ensuring a detailed audit trail. md file. This documentation is surfaced later during conflict resolution, providing context for why changes were made.

When upstream updates are available, regraft pull merges them into the local codebase using a three-way merge algorithm similar to git’s branch merging. If there are no overlapping changes, updates are merged automatically; if conflicts arise, Regraft generates a brief that explains the nature of the clash, the user’s modifications, and the upstream changes. This brief is intended to help either the developer or an automated coding agent resolve the conflict efficiently. The tool also supports scripting and continuous integration environments, offering JSON output for all commands and exit codes that signal when human intervention is needed.

Regraft is available for macOS, Linux, and Windows, and can be installed via a shell script. It is developed by Treadie, Inc. and is positioned as a solution for developers who need to manage and update copied code without losing track of customizations or falling behind on upstream changes.