What's in the box?
The GitHub Arctic Vault program is part of the now Microsoft-owned code repository GitHub, where programmers can share code with others to check for bugs or for them to implement in their own programs.
250 metres underground in an abandoned coal mine lies the archive of open source code, where it should stay for the next millennium.“The Arctic Code Vault was just the beginning of the GitHub Archive Program’s journey to secure the world’s open source code,” GitHub vice president of special projects Thomas Dohmke told news.com.au. “We’ve partnered with multiple organisations and advisers to help us maximise the GitHub Archive Program’s value and preserve all open-source software for future generations.” One of those partners is Norwegian archival experts Piql, who specialise in very-long-term data storage.The company uses around 200 silver halide and polyester film reels designed to last a thousand years to store the information on a Norwegian island called Svalbard. “We chose to store GitHub’s public repositories in the Arctic World Archive in Svalbard because it is one of the most remote and geopolitically stable places on Earth and is about a mile down the road from the famous Global Seed Vault,” Mr Dohmke said. The Global Seed Vault holds a variety of plant seeds duplicated from other gene banks around the world to protect them from regional or global crises .The Global Seed Bank is just up the road from the GitHub archive. Picture: Lise Åserud/NTB Scanpix/AFPMr Dohmke said open source code in particular was worth preserving. “Today, almost every piece of software relies on open source. It’s the lifeblood of the internet, but much of the world’s data is ephemeral, kept on storage media expected to survive only a few decades,” he said. “As the home for all developers, GitHub is in a unique position and we believe has the responsibility to protect and preserve the collaborative work of millions of developers around the world.An example of the films that preserve the vital codes for the future.Of course, the code is not much good without computers to run it on. To that end, GitHub created a guide to provide “context and direction to the contents in every archive”. “The guide provides an overview of what software is, an explanation of open source and its ethos, and a technical overview of how to unpack the archive’s contents” to help future generations understand it, Mr Dohmke said., an open access database with information on Australian biodiversity hosted by the CSIRO.Source:Supplied
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
This year is a leap year, but they don't always roll around every four yearsIt's been four years, but February 29 is back and all you leaplings can officially celebrate on your day. But did you know that every fourth year isn't necessarily a leap year?
Read more »
Married scientists reveal why a swinging lifestyle keeps the flame aliveA pair of swinging scientists have revealed why an open marriage keeps the spark alive – and how they refuse to keep their unusual bedroom habit a secret.
Read more »
Fitness coach, bingo host, Senior Constable: Tibooburra's only cop wears many hatsThe only cop in a small outback town doesn't have much crime to manage, so she keeps busy in other ways.
Read more »
Iran's negligence may lead to an even greater global viral outbreakAny chance that Iran might have kept the epidemic from spiralling out of control has already been lost.
Read more »
This woman spent three months stuck inside due to Australia's extreme weatherSevere asthma kept Marion Rae at home for three months to avoid the smoke-filled Sydney air. She's only just getting back to normality.
Read more »
Boxing: Liam Wilson’s terrifying knockout of Jesus Cuardo in National Boxing Series card, video'Down he goes!” Australian Liam Wilson has arrived in boxing's big time with a spectacular KO of Jesus Cuadro. 📝: AusBoxing Boxing
Read more »