.gitignore is ignored by Git

Question

My .gitignore file seems to be being ignored by Git - could the .gitignore file be corrupt? Which file format, locale or culture does Git expect?

Answer 1

If it seems like Git isn't noticing the changes you made to your .gitignore file, you might want to check the following points:

• There might be a global .gitignore file that might interfere with your local one

• When you add something into a .gitignore file, try this:

  git add [uncommitted changes you want to keep] && git commit
  git rm -r --cached .
  git add .
  git commit -m "fixed untracked files"
  

• If you remove something from a .gitignore file, and the above steps maybe don't work,if you found the above steps are not working, try this:

  git add -f [files you want to track again]
  git commit -m "Refresh removing files from .gitignore file."
  
  // For example, if you want the .java type file to be tracked again,
  // The command should be:
  //     git add -f *.java