Rename default branch from "master" to "main"

[trivikr]

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
Lot of software developers are discussing on twitter to rename default branches for their projects from "master" to "main" or equivalent https://twitter.com/search?q=master%20branch&src=typed_query

The primary reason being master-slave an oppressive metaphor.

Describe the solution you'd like
Node.js core follows the trend to change the industry standard, and renames default branch from "master" to "main" or similar

Describe alternatives you've considered
Sticking with existing master branch name for the default

EDIT: Updated "renaming master to main" to "renaming default branch name from 'master' to 'main'"

[devsnek]

This is not a technically difficult task (https://www.hanselman.com/blog/EasilyRenameYourGitDefaultBranchFromMasterToMain.aspx) but it might break some things. I definitely think we should try to change it.

[ronag]

Does this mean we would have to change the cluster API (which includes master in its vocabulary) as well in a semver-major?

[Gallardo994]

This is getting silly already. No way it makes any sense.

UPD: How is this offtopic? Please stop bringing politics into development world. That's just mindblowingly silly.

That is hilarious. From defacing nodejs.org with blm propaganda, to renaming master branch to avoid similarity with master-slave metaphor. What is the next requirement OpenJS will ask for? To remove the test directory to avoid similarity with testicles? Please keep technical aspects of the software free of politics and globalistic propaganda.

[devsnek]

@ronag i don't think that cluster was brought up in this thread, though it has been discussed on other occasions.

[ronag]

I'm -0 to the change itself. I don't think that changing it because it is "industry standard" is a valid argument, at least not yet. If we are changing it because we think it is a loaded/inappropriate word, then I think we should remove all occurrences to remain consistent with that decision.

[benjamingr]

I don't feel like this is something people have actually complained about. When we've made these changes in the past (for example in child_worker.suicide) it was guided by someone acting in good faith feeling strongly about the terminology.

If someone from the project's base does feel strongly about it - I suggest we rename it, though master is the default git branch name so I would caution we pick our battles.

I vote we:

• Don't change the name from master to something else currently.
• Change it when a contributor/collaborator feels strongly enough about this.

Of course, if you @trivikr personally feel strongly about this then I support you :]

[trivikr]

Of course, if you @trivikr personally feel strongly about this then I support you :]

I don't feel strongly against using master branch name. I proposed it as I plan to follow it in my personal projects and work projects, and wanted to ask Node.js community.

Should we add this to tsc-agenda?

though master is the default git branch name so I would caution we pick our battles.

Is there an equivalent ask in git repo?
If not, we should create one.

[benjamingr]

Also, to all the people making the drive by comments: please keep discussion civil and remember Node.js has a code of conduct. If you can't be polite here you really don't have to comment. It's fine to either support or object to the proposed change (or any proposed change) as long as you are civil - we do not tolerate abuse towards the project and its members here.

To collaborators: kind reminder that you are allowed to ban users that make these sort of comments and to hide said comments - but please update the project (as explained there) with what actions you took so that any moderation actions taken are done in full transparency.

[benjamingr]

Is there an equivalent ask in git repo?

I'm not sure where the git repo is - but I recommend trying the mailing list and asking there https://git-scm.com/community

I think "doing whatever git does and bringing the issue to their attention" is a viable strategy - but again, I don't feel particularly strongly about the use of "master" and if someone else does - sure.

Should we add this to tsc-agenda?

I'm not entirely sure why?

[trivikr]

Should we add this to tsc-agenda?

I'm not entirely sure why?

To let tsc make a call on this request.

Other option would be to keep this issue open for a week or so, and see if it gathers more feedback or support.