How to use .gitignore to exclude files

How to use .gitignore to exclude files

Exclude files and directories from Git tracking using .gitignore patterns and global ignore rules.

Prerequisites

• Git installed with an initialized repository.

Step-by-Step: Configure .gitignore in Git

1. Create a .gitignore file in the repository root:

   touch .gitignore

2. Add patterns to exclude files. Git supports glob patterns, directory names, and negation:

   # Compiled files
   *.pyc
   *.o
   
   # Directories
   node_modules/
   __pycache__/
   .env/
   
   # Environment files
   .env
   *.secret
   
   # OS files
   .DS_Store
   Thumbs.db
   
   # Exception — track this specific file
   !config/.env.example

3. Commit the .gitignore file:

   git add .gitignore
   git commit -m "Add .gitignore"

4. Remove already-tracked files that should now be ignored:

   git rm --cached .env
   git commit -m "Stop tracking .env file"