How to troubleshoot migration problems when moving firmware projects from SVN to Git?

Understand Your SVN Repository Structure

• Ensure that you have a complete understanding of your SVN repository layout. SVN commonly follows a trunk/branches/tags structure. Determine if all parts need migration or if specific branches or tags are required.
• Familiarize yourself with SVN-specific features like externals or custom properties that might affect migration.

Prepare Your Git Repository

• Create an empty Git repository where your project's history will be migrated.
• Consider setting up your repository with Git hosting services like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket for collaborative advantages such as pull requests and CI/CD integrations.

Install Necessary Tools

• Use tools like git-svn to assist in migrating your history from SVN to Git. They help better manage commits and author identities.

Clone the SVN Repository to a Local Git Repository

• Utilize git-svn for cloning your SVN repository:

  ```bash
  git svn clone -T trunk -b branches -t tags --authors-file=authors.txt
  ```

• The --authors-file=authors.txt option helps map SVN author names to Git authors, which is crucial for maintaining proper author identities.

Verify Git History for Accuracy

• Once cloned, ensure the history in Git matches SVN. Use commands like:

  ```bash
  git log --graph --oneline --all
  ```

• Check for discrepancies in commit messages, branches, and tags to ascertain completeness.

Handle SVN Externals

• Identify any SVN externals used. They should be transitioned to Git submodules or subtrees. This requires manual setup:

  ```bash
  git submodule add
  git commit -m "Add submodule for external library"
  ```

Convert SVN Branches and Tags Correctly

• Ensure that SVN branches are converted to Git branches, and SVN tags are converted to Git annotated tags. You may need to manually tag branch heads if discrepancies exist:

  ```bash
  git tag -a -m "Tagging from SVN"
  ```

Verify Repository Integrity

• Run commands like git fsck to check for repository integrity. It ensures your repository is corruption-free and all internal structures are consistent.

  ```bash
  git fsck --full
  ```

Push Migrated Repository to Remote Git Server

• Once verified locally, push your work to the remote repository:

  ```bash
  git remote add origin
  git push --all
  git push --tags
  ```

Educate Your Team

• Train your team in using Git workflows, emphasizing the differences from SVN. Topics to cover include branching strategies, pull requests, and common Git commands.

Test Your New Workflow

• Conduct trial runs of typical workflows your team uses, ensuring that all processes fully work within Git.
• Encourage feedback to make adjustments where necessary, ensuring a smooth transition for your team.

Address Any Migration Issues

• Get feedback from team members actively using the new setup to discover any bugs or workflow challenges. Use their experiences to continuously improve the new environment.