how does github mark the status color of your branch

Question

in git shell I regularly see sthis

myProject $ [branch1] 

where 'branch1' is blue whenever in sync, or green if its not. but what does this color indicator mean, what does this compare to? and how to change this to a different fork if its comparing to the wrong one. e.g.

myProject $ [branch1] git remote -v

lists 5 forks with their own branches, how can I can set the color indicator to compare to say myFork or otherPeople's fork.

Answer 1

Git uses the git configuration file to set the colors. Typlically your global .gitconfig file is located in your home directory.

Here is an example of my .gitconfig file and how I set the git color status.

Git allows you to set the color for: color.branch color.diff color.interactive color.status

Here are some further details on git colors: http://git-scm.com/book/en/Customizing-Git-Git-Configuration#Colors-in-Git