Why doesn't GitHub show the repository size on the repository homepage?

[saketvats22]

🏷️ Discussion Type

Question

💬 Feature/Topic Area

Code Search and Navigation

Body

Hi,

I was wondering why GitHub doesn't display a repository's size directly on the main repository page. At the moment, you have to go into the repository settings or use the API to see it.

Wouldn't it be useful to show the repository size somewhere in the repository overview, especially for larger projects?

Is there any reason this information isn't shown by default?

[geekysaksham]

Repository size is available through the GitHub API and in repository settings, but GitHub intentionally keeps the repository homepage minimal. There hasn't been an official explanation for not displaying it on the main page. If enough users find it useful, it could be a good feature request.

[saketvats22]

Thanks for the clarification! That makes sense. I appreciate the explanation and agree it could be a useful feature request.

[codexanjan]

GitHub doesn’t show repository size on the homepage because it’s not considered essential information for the main repository view. The size can also be misleading since Git LFS and other stored data may not be included in the displayed repository size.

[saketvats22]

Thanks for the clarification. Appreciate your response! 👍

[initchirag]

I think showing the repository size directly on the main page would be useful, especially for bigger projects. It would save users from going into Settings or using the API just to check it. I understand that the size can be a little misleading because of Git history and LFS, but having it as optional information in the repository overview could still be helpful.