# Add .gitignore-Aware File Filtering to gemini-cli
This pull request introduces .gitignore-based file filtering to the gemini-cli, ensuring that git-ignored files are automatically excluded from file-related operations and suggestions throughout the CLI. The update enhances usability, reduces noise from build artifacts and dependencies, and provides new configuration options for fine-tuning file discovery.
Key Improvements
.gitignore File Filtering
All @ (at) commands, file completions, and core discovery tools now honor .gitignore patterns by default.
Git-ignored files (such as node_modules/, dist/, .env, and .git) are excluded from results unless explicitly overridden.
The behavior can be customized via a new fileFiltering section in settings.json, including options for:
Turning .gitignore respect on/off.
Adding custom ignore patterns.
Allowing or excluding build artifacts.
Configuration & Documentation Updates
settings.json schema extended with fileFiltering options.
Documentation updated to explain new filtering controls and usage patterns.
Testing
New and updated integration/unit tests for file filtering logic, configuration merging, and edge cases.
Test coverage ensures .gitignore filtering works as intended across different workflows.
Internal Refactoring
Core file discovery logic refactored for maintainability and extensibility.
Underlying tools (ls, glob, read-many-files) now support git-aware filtering out of the box.
Co-authored-by: N. Taylor Mullen <ntaylormullen@google.com>
Emily Hedlund