Git Exclusions for Different Branches

Let’s get real about Git – it’s great for version control, but it drops the ball when it comes to excluding files on specific branches. But guess what? There’s a trick to make it work. We’re talking about crafting .gitignore files that play nice with individual branches.

What’s the Deal?

The deal is simple – Git doesn’t make it easy to exclude certain files on certain branches. Imagine this: some production files should vanish on a few branches, but stay put on others. Git doesn’t allow this, but we’ve got a workaround.

Here’s the Game Plan

Listen up, because this is how we’re going to tackle it:

1. Special .gitignore Files: Whenever you want exclusions, make a custom .gitignore file. Name it like .gitignore.branch_name.
2. Use the post-checkout Hook: Git’s got hooks, and we’re going to use one called post-checkout. It kicks in after you switch branches. Our game? Updating .git/info/exclude, where exclusions hide. This makes those branch-specific exclusions come to life.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

We’re not here to complicate things. Here’s how you do it:

1. Create Your Own .gitignore Files

• Need exclusions? Whip up a .gitignore file with a unique name. Call it something like .gitignore.branch_name.

2. The Hook Gets the Job Done

1. Find your .git/hooks/ folder in your Git repository. Can’t spot it? No problem, just make one.
2. Inside this folder, drop a file named post-checkout.
3. Copy and paste our ready-to-go script below. That script? It’s your branch-swapping assistant, handling exclusions and all that jazz.
4. Make sure the script can strut its stuff by running chmod 755 post-checkout.

3. Watch the Magic Happen

1. Ready? Switch branches using git checkout.
2. Hit up git status. Notice anything? Those exclusions are right where they should be.

How It All Works

Here’s the lowdown on the script’s magic:

• The script checks if you’re changing branches. If not, it steps aside.
• Once you make that branch switch, the script sniffs out the current branch and your repo’s guts.
• If your branch has a .gitignore file, the script gears up to use it.
• Then, the script swaps out the plain ol’ .git/info/exclude for your branch’s special .gitignore. That’s the ticket to exclusions.

Wrapping It Up with a Bow

Let’s be real – Git and branch-specific exclusions might not be best friends, but our mix of hooks and links has them playing nice. Following these steps lets you handle different exclusion needs between branches. It amps up your version control and keeps each branch tidy. Want all the details? Scope out this gist link. Kudos to the idea’s origin: gist link.