Git 2.50 adds multi-pack reachability, improved multiple cruft packs, and ORT merge engine

Git 2.50 arrives three months after version 2.49, delivering several core updates designed to support both small and large repositories. The release brings experimental support for the multi-pack reachability format within incremental multi-pack index (MIDX) chains. Now, each MIDX layer maintains its own bitmap file, and these layers can be used together to provide commit reachability information at any point in the chain. This enhancement enables rapid addition of new reachability bitmaps as commits are added, even in massive repositories, though the feature is still considered experimental with limited support for repacking objects into these indexes.

Alongside these architectural changes, Git 2.50 improves multiple cruft packs support. Developers can expect more ergonomic command-line interactions and resolution of specific bugs encountered with cruft pack workflows. Following these updates, the default merge engine has transitioned from the legacy “recursive” engine to the newer “ORT” (Ostensibly Recursive's Twin) engine, which is designed to deliver faster and more maintainable merge operations by default.

Git 2.50 also includes several additional enhancements and bug fixes, as detailed in the official release notes.