Partially encrypt a file based on its HEREDOCs
Hi HN! I wrote a tool that partially encrypts files based on the presence of a HEREDOC. Check it out: https://github.com/higgins/privatize When added to a git repo, it will automatically transparently encrypt/decrypt files you want privatized. For example if you configured your repo to privatize the file `example.txt`, you could write: ``` Today I a burrito. <<PRIVATE I was on the toilet for hours. PRIVATE I got a lot of reading done. ``` but when git-commit'ed would become: ``` Today I a burrito. <<PRIVATE xuJ0fld2vmNWaVLogTIufmWsiFso PRIVATE I got a lot of reading…
In plain words
This tool selectively encrypts portions of files within Git repositories by marking sensitive sections with HEREDOC syntax. When files are committed, only the marked private sections are encrypted while the rest remains visible. Developers can work with unencrypted source files locally, with encryption and decryption happening transparently during Git operations. Only users with the symmetric key can decrypt private sections. It's designed for those maintaining public logs or shared repositories who need to keep certain content private without splitting files.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
In the maker’s words, at launch
Hi HN! I wrote a tool that partially encrypts files based on the presence of a HEREDOC. Check it out: https://github.com/higgins/privatize When added to a git repo, it will automatically transparently encrypt/decrypt files you want privatized. For example if you configured your repo to privatize the file `example.txt`, you could write: ``` Today I a burrito. <<PRIVATE I was on the toilet for hours. PRIVATE I got a lot of reading done. ``` but when git-commit'ed would become: ``` Today I a burrito. <<PRIVATE xuJ0fld2vmNWaVLogTIufmWsiFso PRIVATE I got a lot of reading done. ``` Diffing works as you expect (on the unencrypted source) and only those with the `privatize` symmetric key would be able to unlock and decrypt these files. Why did I do this? I keep a public log of what I plan to accomplish and what I'm working on both personally/professionally. At the end of the day, I write a summary of everything that happened. Naturally, there are some details of my life that should be kept private (details of too-be-launched projects, sensitive family events, etc). It's helpful for me to track everything in one file so as to keep the day's context together. Would love to know what you think! Justin
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