Solved: How to hide files in Azure Repos Git repository within Azure DevOps?

Troubleshooting Question

I’m using an Azure Repos Git repository within Azure DevOps (not GitHub), and I’m wondering if it’s possible to configure permissions in a way that restricts some users from seeing certain files within the repository.

For instance, can I set up permissions to grant access to specific code folders while hiding others? My idea was to link certain folders in the repository to “Areas” and then configure permissions accordingly.

However, it seems like I might only be able to control permissions on branches and not on individual folders within a branch. I haven’t come across this functionality in the documentation I’ve reviewed so far.

I’d appreciate any guidance or insights on how to manage file visibility for different users within Azure Repos, as it’s a key aspect of our project’s access control requirements.

Solution: Managing File Visibility in Git Repositories

In Git repositories, it’s important to understand that access control operates at the repository level, and there’s no direct way to hide or protect specific files or folders within a repository. In other words, you can’t grant or restrict access to individual files or folders for different users.

Access permissions in Git are typically applied to the entire repository, ensuring that users either have access to the entire repository or none of it. While you can control who has access to the repository itself, you can’t fine-tune visibility at a granular file or folder level within the repository.

If you have specific requirements for controlling access to certain files or folders, you may need to consider alternative approaches, such as creating separate repositories for sensitive files or using other version control systems that offer more granular access control options. It’s essential to carefully plan your repository structure and access control strategies to meet your project’s security and collaboration needs.