Ignoring Files

Ignoring files in Git is crucial for several reasons:

• Reduced Repository Size: Ignoring unnecessary files prevents them from being stored in the version control system, leading to smaller repository sizes;
• Focus on Source Code: By excluding generated files or artifacts, your repository remains focused on source code and essential project files;
• Security: Avoiding the inclusion of sensitive information, like API keys or passwords, enhances the security of your project.

The .gitignore File

The .gitignore file is the main way to specify which files Git should ignore. It is typically located in the root directory of the repository and contains a list of file patterns that Git excludes from tracking. Each line represents a pattern for files or directories to ignore. For now, use only the names of the files.

First, list all files and directories in the project directory, including hidden ones:

If you are using macOS, the system automatically creates a .DS_Store file. Tracking and committing this file is unnecessary, so create a .gitignore file with the echo command and add the .DS_Store line to ignore it:

Afterward, run the git status command and confirm that this file no longer appears in the list of untracked files:

Now add the .gitignore file and commit it:

The commit is successful, and the .DS_Store file is ignored.