Cloning a repository from a remote server in Working Copy is done by pressing + on the repository list.
If no specific hosting provider is supported, URLs can be copy-pasted into Working Copy's top field for cloning.
Importing repositories can be done by copying directories into Working Copy's Files app location; if no .git folder exists, a new repository is created.
Files can be copied via tap-and-hold context menus, and moved by dragging within directory listings.
The Changes tab indicates modifications: additions in green, deletions in red.
Remote URLs examples include HTTPS and SSH forms; SSH is the default protocol.
On Linux servers, the public SSH key must be appended to $HOME/.ssh/authorized_keys.
Even Linux, BSD servers, or Synology NAS can host repositories via SSH commands.
Working Copy must be enabled as a Location in the Files app; Split View on iPad can ease multitasking.
Textastic is recommended as a general-purpose code editor compatible with Working Copy, supporting folder-level access.
iA Writer, Ulysses, and 1Writer are good Markdown editors that integrate with Working Copy for in-place file editing.
Files and directories can be added by dragging from emails or the Files app.
Overwriting existing committed files is automatic; reverting to previous versions is straightforward.
Zip archives can be imported by dragging and decompress automatically.
Dragging files out of Working Copy adapts based on the target app (e.g., attaching to emails or exporting to Files app).
Editors supporting file references can edit files directly within the repository.
Obsidian Relevant
Some apps cannot open files/directories in-place but can link to them via iCloud Drive or On My Device storage.
Linking external directories to Working Copy allows Git version control while editing in other apps.
Linked external repositories appear as normal repos inside Working Copy; changes sync directly.
Linking is necessary for document packages (e.g., Swift Playgrounds, Codea projects) that iOS treats differently.
Folder-level access is required, which major cloud providers generally do not support (only file-level access).
If the linked directory lacks a .git folder, Working Copy creates one internally to avoid confusion.
Users can convert regular repositories into linked external repositories via configuration menus.
Linked external repositories require the pro unlock purchased or upgraded after September 2020.
This integration supports apps like Codea, iA Writer, Obsidian, Scriptable, and Swift Playgrounds, though some apps may misbehave if files change during use.
Megan Sullivan's blog post is a recommended resource for syncing Obsidian Vaults with Working Copy and Shortcuts.
2. Notable Insights
SSH URLs without explicit protocol default to SSH, simplifying usage.
Linked external repositories allow seamless Git integration with apps that do not natively support Git or in-place editing, but require folder-level access that many cloud storage providers restrict.
The pro feature of linking external repositories is gated behind a recent pro upgrade, restricting access to some users.