File Extension Database

Open GITIGNORE File

The GITIGNORE file format is used by Git, an open-source version control system, to determine which files and directories to ignore before you commit. Ignoring certain files is vital because not all files and directories are useful or even necessary when working on a version control project, either because they are not part of the source code or because they should remain local. As such, Git make use of the GITIGNORE file format to keep track of these unwanted files.
You can simply create a .gitignore file in your Git directory to list all the files or directories you want Git to ignore. The file needs to be created in the repository's main directory, but it can also specify files in various other directories to ignore as well. A .gitignore file is a plain text file where each line contains a pattern for files/directories to ignore. Generally, the syntax is as follows: a hash '#' denotes a comment; a slash '/' at the beginning to avoid recursion; a standard star '*' matches any string of characters; two stars '**' are used to match any string of characters but respects directory separators; a question mark '?' matches a single character; etc. (source)

Opening .GITIGNORE Files

A .gitignore file can be opened with any text editor because it�s a simple text file that can easily be read and edited. For example, on Windows, you can use Notepad or Notepad++, while on Mac OS, you can use TextEdit. Also, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Visual Studio Code, Atom, or Sublime can open GITIGNORE files. (source)

Using GITIGNORE Files

As previously discussed, a .gitignore file is used to tell Git which files or directories to ignore in a project. To use .gitignore, you need to simply add the names of the files and directories you want to ignore. Each name, file, or directory should be on a separate line. A few examples to illustrate how to use GITIGNORE files: - �/temp� - Ignores the directory named temp in the repository root; - �temp� - Ignores all files and directories named temp; - �*.log� - Ignores all files with a .log extension; - 'debug/' - Ignores the debug folder. (source)

GITIGNORE File Important Information

GITIGNORE is an essential part of a Git project. It reduces the chance of an unnecessary file being uploaded to the repository, thus keeping the project's repository clean. It is very important to understand that once a file is tracked by Git, adding that file to the .gitignore does not remove it from the repository. Instead, you must also remove it from the repository with �git rm --cached [file]�. (source)

How Can I Open GITIGNORE File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open GITIGNORE file is to find a GITIGNORE file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a GITIGNORE file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open GITIGNORE file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as GITIGNORE file opener then try to search online for "GITIGNORE viewer", "application to open GITIGNORE file" or "open GITIGNORE file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open GITIGNORE file

How Can I Open GITIGNORE File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a GITIGNORE file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a GITIGNORE file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with GITIGNORE file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as GITIGNORE file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open GITIGNORE file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open GITIGNORE file then try to search for "GITIGNORE viewer", "application to open GITIGNORE file" or "read GITIGNORE file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read GITIGNORE file

How Can I Open GITIGNORE File on Android

If you downloaded a GITIGNORE file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded GITIGNORE file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "GITIGNORE".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "GITIGNORE viewer", "GITIGNORE file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open GITIGNORE File on iPhone or iPad

To open GITIGNORE File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the GITIGNORE file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "GITIGNORE". This way you can find apps which can open GITIGNORE files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "GITIGNORE viewer" or "GITIGNORE file" online in your favorite search engine.

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