.gitignore exclude folder but include specific subfolder

Question

I have the folder application/ which I add to the .gitignore. Inside the application/ folder is the folder application/language

Answer 1

The simplest and probably best way is to try adding the files manually (generally this takes precedence over .gitignore-style rules):

git add /path/to/module

You may even want the -N intent to add flag, to suggest you will add them, but not immediately. I often do this for new files I’m not ready to stage yet.

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This a copy of an answer posted on what could easily be a duplicate QA. I am reposting it here for increased visibility—I find it easier not to have a mess of gitignore rules.