Gitignore
Gitignore is a configuration file used in Git version control systems to specify files and directories that should be ignored and not tracked by Git. It helps prevent unnecessary files, such as build artifacts, logs, or sensitive data, from being committed to a repository, keeping the codebase clean and secure. The file is typically named '.gitignore' and placed in the root directory of a project or in subdirectories for more granular control.
Developers should use Gitignore to avoid cluttering repositories with files that are generated during development, such as compiled binaries, dependency folders (like node_modules), or environment-specific configuration files. It is essential for maintaining repository hygiene, reducing repository size, and protecting sensitive information like API keys or passwords from being accidentally committed. Use cases include ignoring temporary files in IDEs, build outputs in compiled languages, and local configuration overrides.