Stop Abusing .gitignore
Blog post from Mergify
The .gitignore file is a useful Git feature designed to prevent the tracking of unnecessary files in a repository, typically specifying project-generated files like build artifacts and cache directories. However, a common misuse occurs when developers add personal editor or operating system files to .gitignore, cluttering the shared repository and frustrating collaborators. To address this, developers should use a global ignore file, configured in their system, to handle personal files such as editor backups or OS-specific junk, ensuring that .gitignore remains focused on files relevant to the project's requirements. By adhering to this practice, developers can maintain cleaner repositories, enhance team collaboration, and keep commit histories free from irrelevant changes.