What is the purpose of a .gitignore file?

The purpose of a .gitignore file is to specify files and directories that Git should ignore in a repository. This is particularly useful for excluding files that are not needed in version control, such as temporary files created by an IDE, log files, build artifacts, or any sensitive information that should not be shared. By including these patterns in a .gitignore file, developers can ensure that these unwanted files do not clutter the repository and that they are kept out of commits. This helps maintain a clean and efficient codebase, allowing other contributors to focus on the necessary files relevant to the project.

Other options involve different functionalities: managing repository access relates to permissions within the Git system, tracking changes is the main function of Git itself, and creating a readme file focuses on project documentation rather than ignoring files in a repository.