bazelbuild/bazel

repository_rule#local incorrect documentation

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#28497 opened on Feb 1, 2026

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Description

Page link:

https://bazel.build/rules/lib/globals/bzl.html#repository_rule

Problem description (include actual vs expected text, if applicable):

Indicate that this rule fetches everything from the local system and should be reevaluated at every fetch.

This is not true. See #16217 for why it is expected behavior that the rule is not always re-evaluated.

Where do you see this issue? (include link to specific section of the page, if applicable)

https://bazel.build/rules/lib/globals/bzl.html#repository_rule

Any other information you'd like to share?

This argument might just be a complete misfeature. If so, it should be documented as such.

Contributor guide

Tech stack
None
Domain
documentation
Issue type
documentation
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
2
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
under 1 hour
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
fresh
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
clear
Prerequisites
familiarity with Bazel repository rulesreference to issue #16217
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
80
Research direction
Review the documentation at https://bazel.build/rules/lib/globals/bzl.html#repository rule, specifically the description of the 'local' attribute. Read issue #16217 to understand the expected behavior that the rule is not always re evaluated. Then update the documentation to correct the misleading statement.