? Git .gitignore

? Quick Overview

The .gitignore file tells Git which files or directories to ignore in a repository. It prevents unnecessary files like logs, build outputs, or IDE configs from being tracked.

? Key Concepts

Prevents unwanted files from being committed
Helps keep repositories clean
Essential for team collaboration

? What is a .gitignore File?

The .gitignore file contains patterns that Git should ignore. These patterns apply to files not yet tracked.

❓ Why Use .gitignore?

Keep the repository clean
Protect sensitive data
Avoid IDE-specific clutter
Improve performance

? How to Create a .gitignore File

? View Code Example

# Ignore all .log files
*.log
# Ignore build directory
build/
# Ignore IDE files
.vscode/
.idea/

? Basic Syntax

# for comments
* wildcard for patterns
/ at end to ignore directories
! to negate ignores

? Common Use Cases

IDE configuration files
Build and dist folders
Logs and temp files

? Node.js Example

? View Code Example

# Node dependencies
node_modules/
# Debug logs
npm-debug.log*

☕ Java Example

? View Code Example

# Compiled class files
*.class
# IDE folders
.idea/
.vscode/

? Apply .gitignore to Existing Repo

? View Code Example

# Untrack already tracked files
git rm -r --cached file-or-directory

? View Code Example

# Commit .gitignore changes
git commit -m "Update .gitignore"

? Tips & Best Practices

Always check git status
.gitignore affects only untracked files
Use generators like gitignore.io

? Try It Yourself

Create a .gitignore file
Add patterns like node_modules/
Untrack files using git rm --cached