What does the .gitignore file specify about the files listed within it?

The .gitignore file is essential for managing the files that Git tracks in a project. When files are listed in the .gitignore file, it tells Git to ignore these specified files or directories, meaning they will not be included in any version control operations, such as commits or pushes. This is particularly useful for preventing unnecessary files, such as temporary files, build outputs, or sensitive information, from being tracked and shared unintentionally in a repository.

By using a .gitignore file, developers can keep the version control system clean and focused only on relevant source code and important resources, ensuring that the repository remains manageable, free from clutter, and adheres to best practices for version control.