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John Ajera
John Ajera

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What Happens Behind the .gitignore: How Git Handles Ignored Files

#git #gitignore #python #cicd

What Happens Behind the .gitignore How Git Handles Ignored Files

Introduction

Ever wondered how Git treats ignored files like dist/? Using a Python project as an example, we’ll explore what happens in scenarios like CI/CD workflows, cloning, and pulling repositories.

Python Project Example

Typical Structure 

my-python-project/
├── src/
│   └── my_package/
│       └── __init__.py
├── tests/
│   └── test_my_package.py
├── dist/
│   ├── my_package-1.0.0-py3-none-any.whl
│   └── my_package-1.0.0.tar.gz
├── .gitignore
├── setup.py
├── README.md
└── requirements.txt
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Ignoring dist/ in .gitignore 

dist/
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The dist/ directory often contains build artifacts (.whl, .tar.gz) generated during packaging. Excluding these from version control helps maintain a clean repository.

Why Ignore dist/?

1. Repository Size Management

🗂️ Without Ignoring dist/:

  • Every build adds artifacts to your repository.
  • Repository size inflates, slowing down cloning.

📉 With Ignoring dist/:

  • Only source code is tracked.
  • Repository remains lean and efficient.

2. Avoiding Conflicts

⚠️ Without Ignoring dist/:

  • Changes to built files may cause unnecessary merge conflicts.
  • Developers might push stale or corrupted artifacts.

✅ With Ignoring dist/:

  • Artifacts are generated fresh during CI/CD or locally on-demand.
  • Ensures consistency across environments.

3. CI/CD Efficiency

🚧 Without Ignoring dist/:

  • CI/CD workflows might use outdated artifacts already pushed.
  • Breakages may occur due to stale files.

🚀 With Ignoring dist/:

  • CI/CD builds artifacts dynamically, ensuring freshness.
  • Reduces errors stemming from stale files.

Possible Scenarios with Ignored Files

1. Pushing Changes

  • Ignored files (e.g., dist/) are never pushed.
  • Even if locally present, Git ensures these files are excluded from commits.

2. Cloning a Repository

  • If dist/ doesn’t exist: The directory isn’t recreated during the clone.
  • If CI/CD creates dist/: Cloning excludes it as it’s not tracked in the repository.

3. Pulling Changes

  • Ignored files are unaffected during a git pull.
  • If the directory exists locally, it remains untouched unless manually modified.

4. CI/CD Workflows

  • CI/CD pipelines generate dist/ dynamically as part of the build process.
  • Files are temporary and often cleaned up post-build to avoid clutter.

Visual Summary: Ignored File Scenarios

Action Behavior
Push Changes Ignored files are never pushed.
Clone Repository Ignored files aren’t downloaded.
Pull Changes Ignored files remain unaffected.
CI/CD Workflows Files are dynamically created/deleted.

Best Practices for Managing Ignored Files

  • Keep .gitignore Updated: Regularly review and adjust patterns to ensure efficiency.
  • Avoid Over-Ignoring: Ensure no essential files are inadvertently ignored.
  • Use Build Tools for Artifacts: Rely on tools like make, tox, or CI/CD pipelines for dynamic file generation.
  • Document Patterns: Include notes in .gitignore to explain why certain files are ignored.

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