Скачать или смотреть How to Specify a Different README for Your GitHub Package Registry

Discover the limitations of the GitHub Package Registry and learn how to manage your README files effectively for better package presentation.
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Specifying Which README is Displayed Under a GitHub Package

When working with GitHub, especially when utilizing the GitHub Package Registry, you might encounter scenarios where you want to showcase different README files for your packages. This is a frequent question among developers who aim to customize their package presentation but find themselves limited by GitHub's current capabilities. In this guide, we'll delve into the problem and explore the solution, clarifying what you can and cannot do regarding README files in the GitHub Package Registry.

The Problem: One README for All Packages

After building a Docker image and publishing it to the GitHub Package Registry under your organization, you may notice that the README displayed is always the general README of your repository. This might not be ideal, as you may want to showcase different documentation or details specific to the Docker image/package you've published.

In Summary: The default behavior is that when you link a repository to a package, the README that shows is the one in the repository itself.

Common Scenario: You have multiple packages in a repository, but each package might need unique instructions or documentation that is not reflected in the overarching repo README.

The Solution: Understanding Current Limitations

As of now, GitHub does not provide an option to specify different README files for packages that are linked to a repository. Here’s what you need to know:

Default Behavior:

The README that accompanies your GitHub package is automatically pulled from the repository that it's linked to.

When you navigate to a specific version of the package, the README associated with that version is displayed, which remains the repository’s README.

What You Can't Do:

Currently, it is not possible to select or designate an alternate README for your package. The behavior is straightforward: the general repository README will always show as the package description.

Moving Forward: Best Practices and Workarounds

Since modifying which README is displayed is out of the question, you will need to adapt your documentation strategy accordingly. Here are some best practices to consider:

Consolidate Important Information: If you have specific instructions for each Docker image, consider integrating key information into the repository's README in a clear manner. This could involve:

Using sections for different packages under one README.

Hyperlinking to specific sections or additional documentation if needed.

Use Branches for Different Documentation:

Maintain separate branches for different versions or types of your packages, each containing its specific README. However, note that this could lead to a cluttered repository structure.

Link External Documentation:

If the README length becomes unwieldy, consider hosting detailed documentation on an external site or using GitHub Pages for more elaborate setups. You could then link to that documentation from your main README.

Conclusion

While it may be frustrating to face limitations in how GitHub displays README files for packages, understanding these challenges can help you better structure your documentation. By strategically organizing your repository's README and utilizing external documentation links, you can ensure that your users have a clear understanding of your packages without needing different README files.

Stay tuned for updates from GitHub, as they constantly improve their platform and may eventually allow for more customization options regarding package documentation in the future!