pack-refs-options

--all

The command by default packs all tags and refs that are already packed, and leaves other refs alone. This is because branches are expected to be actively developed and packing their tips does not help performance. This option causes all refs to be packed as well, with the exception of hidden refs, broken refs, and symbolic refs. Useful for a repository with many branches of historical interests.

--no-prune

The command usually removes loose refs under $GIT_DIR/refs hierarchy after packing them. This option tells it not to.

--auto

Pack refs as needed depending on the current state of the ref database. The behavior depends on the ref format used by the repository and may change in the future.
- "files": Loose references are packed into the packed-refs file based on the ratio of loose references to the size of the packed-refs file. The bigger the packed-refs file, the more loose references need to exist before we repack.
- "reftable": Tables are compacted such that they form a geometric sequence. For two tables N and N+1, where N+1 is newer, this maintains the property that N is at least twice as big as N+1. Only tables that violate this property are compacted.

--include <pattern>

Pack refs based on a glob(7) pattern. Repetitions of this option accumulate inclusion patterns. If a ref is both included in --include and --exclude, --exclude takes precedence. Using --include will preclude all tags from being included by default. Symbolic refs and broken refs will never be packed. When used with --all, it will be a noop. Use --no-include to clear and reset the list of patterns.

--exclude <pattern>

Do not pack refs matching the given glob(7) pattern. Repetitions of this option accumulate exclusion patterns. Use --no-exclude to clear and reset the list of patterns. If a ref is already packed, including it with --exclude will not unpack it.
When used with --all, pack only loose refs which do not match any of the provided --exclude patterns.
When used with --include, refs provided to --include, minus refs that are provided to --exclude will be packed.