Github Showoff
Showcasing private work without compromising confidentiality
As a freelance developer, I've accumulated dozens of private repositories over the years. Each represents significant work and valuable experience — yet they remain hidden from potential clients and recruiters.
🔒 This presents a common dilemma in our field:how do you showcase your best work when it's bound by confidentiality?
🧩 The Portfolio Paradox
Many of us face this contradiction: our most impressive and complex work is often contained in private repositories that we can't simply make public. Client confidentiality, proprietary code, and NDAs create a "black hole" in our portfolios — work that exists but can't be seen.
"The best code I've written is code I can't show you."
— It doesen't sound truthful, right?
💡 My Solution: The Public Showcase Repository
After struggling with this issue, I developed a simple yet effective approach:
creating public "showcase" repositories
that document private projects without exposing the actual code.
These repositories consist primarily of:
- 📊 Architecture diagrams showing the system structure
- 🎬 Demo videos/GIFs of the application in action (if possible)
- 📑 Technical writeups of challenges solved
- 📈 Performance metrics (anonymized)
- 🛠️ Technology stack details
🔍 A Real Example
For a recent client project — a custom CMS platform with complex Excel management — I created a public repository called custom-cms-showcase. The repository contains no actual code but features:
🔧 How to Create Your Own Showcase Repository
- Create a new public repository with a clear name indicating it's a showcase
- Write a comprehensive README explaining the project, your role, and the technical challenges
- Create visual assets such as architecture diagrams using tools likeExcalidraworFigma
- Record demo videos/GIFs showing the application in action (with client permission)
- Detail technical decisions and their rationales
📊 The Results
Since implementing this approach, I've seen tangible benefits:
👁️ Increased Visibility
Clients can now see evidence of my work without requiring access to private code
🤝 Better Client Relationships
Current clients appreciate the care taken to maintain confidentiality
📚 Documentation Practice
Creating these showcases has improved my documentation skills
💼 More Interview Opportunities
Recruiters have concrete examples to discuss during interviews
🚫 Important Caveats
When creating showcase repositories, always:
- Get explicit permission from clients before sharing any project details
- Never include sensitive information such as API keys, business logic, or proprietary algorithms
- Anonymize client data when necessary
- Respect all NDAs and contractual obligations
🌟 Conclusion
Private repositories don't have to remain completely hidden from your professional narrative. With thoughtful documentation and client permission, you can transform these invisible assets into powerful portfolio pieces that demonstrate your capabilities without compromising confidentiality.
Have you tried a similar approach? I'd love to hear how other developers handle this common challenge! Connect with me onGitHuborLinkedInto continue the conversation.