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Due to spam on GitHub, what platforms can I move my projects?

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✓GitLab (both self-hosted and GitLab.com) is a strong alternative to GitHub, offering extensive features and better spam controls.
✓Gitea is recommended as a lightweight, self-hosted option for smaller teams or individuals.
✓Codeberg is identified as a privacy-focused, non-profit, and open-source alternative.
✓Specific GitHub spam mitigation strategies like restricting discussions, using templates, and automating filtering were suggested.

If you are experiencing spam on GitHub and are looking for alternative platforms to host your projects, there are several viable options depending on your specific needs regarding control, community, and feature set.

Tier 1: Self-Hosted Git Solutions (Full Control & Privacy)

For those prioritizing maximum control over their data and a private environment free from public spam, self-hosting is an excellent choice:

·GitLab (Self-Hosted): This offers a comprehensive suite of features, including CI/CD, issue tracking, and wikis, similar to GitHub but under your complete control. This approach allows for robust spam control measures as you manage the instance. The downside is the requirement for server maintenance.
·Gitea: A lightweight and easy-to-self-host alternative, Gitea is ideal for small teams or solo developers seeking a simple, private Git solution. It provides core Git functionalities but with fewer built-in features (e.g., no native CI/CD) compared to GitLab.

Tier 2: Public Git Hosting (Active Communities with Better Spam Controls)

If you still prefer public hosting but with improved spam filtering or a different community focus, these platforms are strong contenders:

·GitLab.com: Offering free private repositories, GitLab.com is actively developed and generally has more effective spam filters than GitHub. While robust, its free tier comes with resource limitations, such as 400 CI minutes per month.
·Codeberg: This non-profit, privacy-focused, and open-source platform boasts an active open-source community. Due to its smaller user base and mission, it tends to be less of a magnet for spam compared to larger commercial platforms. However, its ecosystem is smaller, with fewer integrations and less corporate backing.
·SourceHut (sr.ht): A minimalist, privacy-respecting platform that avoids JavaScript and significant bloat. It's well-suited for developers who appreciate a lean environment but note that it has a steeper learning curve and fewer "social" features.

Tier 3: Niche and Decentralized Alternatives

For highly specific requirements or those interested in novel approaches to version control:

·NotABug: A free software project focusing on open source, it offers a simple, no-tracking environment. Its user base and features are limited.
·Radicle (decentralized Git): This peer-to-peer system removes the central server, inherently mitigating spam. However, it's early-stage software with a higher technical barrier and reduced discoverability.
·Fossil SCM: A less common version control system known for its single-file repository, built-in wiki, and ticketing. Self-hosting is straightforward, but it requires adapting to a different workflow.

Other Hosting Options (Beyond Pure Git)

For specific project needs, particularly static websites or project pages:

·Neocities: Provides free static site hosting.
·Vercel / Netlify: Excellent for static sites and frontend projects, offering free tiers for CDN and hosting.

Strategies for Mitigating Spam on GitHub (If You Choose to Stay)

Should you decide to remain on GitHub, several strategies can help reduce spam:

·Restrict Discussions: Configure discussions to be open only to collaborators.
·Automate Spam Blocking: Utilize GitHub Actions with regex filters to auto-block spam comments.
·Disable Public Issues: Turn off the option for external contributors to submit issues.
·Mandate Issue Templates: Require issues to be submitted using a template to filter out low-effort spam.
·Manage Repositories: Consider deleting or archiving repositories that are significant spam targets but are not critical.

General Recommendations

·For Feature-Rich Alternatives: GitLab.com or self-hosted GitLab are excellent choices.
·For Privacy and Open Source: Codeberg is highly recommended.
·For Minimalist Approaches: SourceHut or NotABug.
·For Decentralization: Radicle is an emerging option.

I advise against platforms like SourceForge or Assembla due to their outdated reputations.