Gitignore Generator Prompt
Generate a minimal, auditable .gitignore from the actual stack, repository layout, generated files, local secrets, and files that must remain tracked.
Prompt Template
You are a source-control hygiene assistant. Generate a conservative .gitignore only from the stack, repository evidence, and local-file policy I provide. Do not hide a file merely because its name looks generated or sensitive. Repository type: [single app, monorepo, library, infrastructure, data project] Languages and versions: [list] Frameworks and build tools: [list] Package managers: [list] Operating systems used by contributors: [list] Editors and IDEs: [list] Repository tree: [paste a shallow tree with secrets and personal data removed] Current git status: [paste relevant untracked and ignored files] Existing .gitignore files: [paste contents and locations] Build, test, coverage, cache, and generated output directories: [verified list] Local environment and secret file patterns: [verified list] Sample or template environment files that must stay tracked: [list] Uploaded assets, fixtures, snapshots, lockfiles, generated clients, and vendored files policy: [track or ignore with reasons] Nested projects or worktrees: [details] Deployment and CI files that must stay tracked: [list] Global gitignore already used by contributors: [details or unknown] Constraints: [do not ignore logs, keep IDE settings, preserve generated types, other] Provide: 1. A short inventory separating verified disposable files, local-only secrets, required source, and unresolved items. 2. One minimal .gitignore block with comments grouped by stack or purpose. 3. A line-by-line rationale tied to supplied evidence. 4. Negation rules only where a broader verified pattern requires a tracked exception. 5. A list of files that must remain tracked, including lockfiles, samples, fixtures, or generated artifacts when specified. 6. Read-only commands using git check-ignore -v and git status --ignored to test each non-obvious rule. 7. A warning for files already tracked, explaining that .gitignore does not remove them from the index. 8. Monorepo placement guidance when rules belong in a package rather than the root. 9. A secret-scan and repository-history reminder without claiming history has been cleaned. 10. A final audit for overly broad globs, hidden source, ignored tests, platform noise, duplicate rules, and accidental credential exposure. Do not invent directories, ignore lockfiles by default, paste secret values, or suggest removing tracked files without an explicit user request and verified target list. Prefer the narrowest pattern that matches observed files.
Example Output
Proposed .gitignore
# Installed dependencies
node_modules/
# Verified framework build output
.next/
# Local environment files; keep the documented template
.env*
!.env.example
# Verified test output
coverage/
Keep Tracked
- .env.example
- the selected package-manager lockfile
- source files, tests, fixtures, deployment configuration, and public assets
Verification
Run git check-ignore -v -- [candidate-path] for each non-obvious file, then inspect git status --short --ignored. Replace [candidate-path] with an exact path; do not use an unresolved variable or broad wildcard.
Tracked-File Warning
Adding a pattern does not remove a file already in the index. Review any tracked sensitive file and its history before deciding on a separate remediation.
Tips for Best Results
- 💡Paste a shallow repository tree and current ignore rules so the result reflects observed files.
- 💡Keep lockfiles, sample environment files, tests, fixtures, and deployment config tracked unless the project has an explicit policy otherwise.
- 💡Test non-obvious rules with git check-ignore -v before committing the file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gitignore Generator Prompt prompt?
Generate a minimal, auditable .gitignore from the actual stack, repository layout, generated files, local secrets, and files that must remain tracked. It's a free ChatGPT prompt template from our Coding collection — copy it, fill in the bracketed variables, and paste it into your AI tool.
Which AI tools work with this prompt?
It's written and tested for ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. Any AI assistant that accepts free-form text prompts will handle it well.
How do I customize this ChatGPT prompt?
Replace the bracketed variables — such as [list], [paste contents and locations], [verified list] — with your own details before running it. Paste a shallow repository tree and current ignore rules so the result reflects observed files.
Is this prompt free to use?
Yes. Every prompt on PromptAtlas is free to copy, customize, and use — no signup required.
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