I was just made aware over at Apache Commons that Apache Infra will protect/preserve tags under "rel/" such that these cannot be deleted and should be used for the purpose of tagging releases. Please see below.
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: David Nalley <[email protected]> Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2016 at 18:00 Subject: Git status update To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Greeting PMCs: (bcc to [email protected]) Following direction from the Board, Infrastructure has modified git to permit force pushes, and branch/tag deletion. In accordance with the guidance that the Board we've implemented a few changes you should be aware of: First, If a forced commit is pushed, the subsequent commit email will contain '[Forced Update!]' in the subject line. The hope here is that it draws extra attention to the situation for a project community to be aware, and take appropriate action if needed. Second, we've changed the 'protected' portions of git to primarily focus on refs/tags/rel - thus any tags under rel, will have their entire commit history. This provides the provenance that the ASF needs for releases, while still giving projects the ability to mold their repository in the way they see fit. Thus when a release vote is successful - part of the release process should become tagging the voted upon commit SHA under rel/ to make it indelible. ('# git tag rel/v15.4.2 ' or something similar.) If you have questions, please feel free to email [email protected] --David on behalf of Apache Infrastructure
