Operating Systems
IDEs & Editors
Languages & Frameworks
Gitignore Generator
Create standard .gitignore files for your projects in seconds.
About the Gitignore Generator
When working with Git, keeping your repository clean is essential. You don't want to commit system files, build artifacts, or sensitive API keys. A `.gitignore` file tells Git which files and directories to ignore. However, remembering exactly what to exclude for every OS, IDE, and language can be difficult. That is why we built the Gitignore Generator.
This tool allows you to construct a comprehensive `.gitignore` file in seconds. Simply select your development environment components—like your Operating System (macOS, Windows), your Text Editor (VS Code, JetBrains), and your Programming Language (Node.js, Python)—and the tool automatically compiles the standard ignore rules for you.
The generated code uses industry-standard templates (similar to those used by GitHub). It runs entirely in your browser, meaning no data is sent to a server. You can copy the text directly to your clipboard or download the file to place in your project root.
How to Use the Tool
- Search or Browse: Use the search bar to find specific technologies (e.g., "React", "Python") or browse the categories.
- Select Components: Click the tags for every tool, OS, and language you are using in your project.
- Preview: As you click, the preview panel updates instantly, combining all the rules into one list.
- Download: Click "Download .gitignore" to save the file, or "Copy Content" to paste it into your existing file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a .gitignore file?
A `.gitignore` file is a text file where each line contains a pattern for files/directories to ignore. It prevents untracked files from being added to a set of files configured by git. This is crucial for excluding large dependency folders (like `node_modules`) and sensitive environment files (`.env`).
Can I combine multiple languages?
Yes! Modern projects often use multiple technologies (e.g., a Laravel backend with a React frontend). You can select both "Laravel" and "React" from the list, and the generator will combine the ignore rules for both into a single file.
Why should I ignore OS files?
Operating systems automatically generate hidden files like `.DS_Store` (macOS) or `Thumbs.db` (Windows) to store folder preferences. If you collaborate with others, these files can cause annoying merge conflicts. Ignoring them keeps the repository clean for everyone, regardless of their OS.
Do I need to add IDE files?
It is highly recommended. Editor configuration folders like `.vscode/` or `.idea/` often contain your personal workspace settings. Committing these forces your settings onto other developers. Adding them to gitignore ensures everyone can use their preferred editor settings without conflict.