Re: [PATCH 0/5] make room for "special ref"

[Andy Koppe <andy.koppe@gmail.com>]

On 15/12/2023 20:32, Junio C Hamano wrote:
> A pseudo ref is merely a normal ref with a funny naming convention,
> i.e., being outside the refs/ hierarchy and has names with all
> uppercase letters (or an underscore).

I know what you mean, but gitglossary defines pseudorefs as separate 
from refs, albeit behaving like refs. Their name itself implies the same.

Although the 'ref' entry then goes on to say that "there are a few 
special-purpose refs that do not begin with 'refs/', the most notable 
example being HEAD."

That implies that at least some of the pseudorefs are refs after all, 
while keeping in mind that "HEAD is not a pseudoref,  because it is 
sometimes a symbolic ref" according to the 'pseudoref' entry.

I think a clearer answer on whether pseudorefs are refs is needed, or at 
least a better-defined fudge, such as "pseudorefs are refs except when ...".

Defining everything under "refs/" as refs, and the stuff outside it 
including HEAD itself as pseudorefs, would draw clearer lines. The fact 
HEAD is usually symbolic doesn't seem all that relevant from the 
perspective of a user trying to get a grasp of refs and pseudorefs.

Regards,
Andy