Reinit Gitignore - Shell/Bash

Are you tired of constantly dealing with untracked files in your Git repository? It's time to reinit your .gitignore file!

What is .gitignore?

A .gitignore file is a configuration file used by Git to determine what files and folders should be ignored when tracking changes in your repository. This is essential in preventing unwanted files, such as temporary files or compiled code, from being added to your repository.

Why do I need to reinit my .gitignore file?

Over time, as your project evolves, you may find that new files are being added to your repository that should be ignored. It's important to periodically review and update your .gitignore file to ensure that it continues to exclude the appropriate files and directories.

How to reinit your .gitignore file

The process for reinitializing your .gitignore file is quite simple. Here are the steps:

1. Navigate to the root of your Git repository in terminal

2. Run the following command to remove the current .gitignore file:

   rm .gitignore
   

   Note: If you have made any changes to your .gitignore file that you want to keep, make a backup copy before running this command.

3. Run the following command to create a new, default .gitignore file:

   curl https://raw.githubusercontent.com/github/gitignore/master/Global/.gitignore -o .gitignore
   

4. Commit the new .gitignore file to your Git repository:

   git add .gitignore
   git commit -m "Reinitialize .gitignore file"
   

Congratulations, your .gitignore file has been reinitialized and is ready to use!

Conclusion

Reinitializing your .gitignore file is a simple process that can help keep your repository clean and organized. Remember to periodically review and update your .gitignore file as your project evolves. Happy coding!