File Extension Database

Open GITKEEP File

When dealing with version control systems like Git, you may come across certain file extensions and files that don't immediately make sense. One of these is the GITKEEP file. This file typically has no real content and its purpose primarily revolves around working with Git. Here's what you need to know about the GITKEEP file, its format, usage, and how to open it.

GITKEEP File Concept and Format

The GITKEEP file isn't an official file extension or format in Git, and you won't find it in Git documentation. It's a convention adopted by the community of Git users. Git doesn't track empty directories, meaning if you have a project with an empty directory, that directory will be ignored by Git. This can be problematic especially when you need to maintain project structure. This is where the GITKEEP file comes into play.

Opening and Using GITKEEP Files

Opening GITKEEP files is simple because they're empty files. Any text editor, including simple ones like Notepad or more advanced ones like Sublime Text or Visual Studio Code, can open GITKEEP files. Even though they're typically empty, you can add content to them, but this is rare because it defies the convention. Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code are some of the advanced text editors with support for GITKEEP files.

Creating GITKEEP Files

To create a GITKEEP file, navigate to the directory you want to keep in your project and create an empty '.gitkeep' file. You can use a command like 'touch .gitkeep' in Unix-based systems or 'New-Item .gitkeep' in PowerShell for Windows-based systems. As soon as this file is added and tracked by Git, the containing directory will also be tracked, even if it's otherwise empty. For more details on creating files with Git, you can follow this tutorial provided by Atlassian.

GITKEEP File Important Information

It's important to remember that the presence of GITKEEP files is simply a convention adopted by the community. Git itself has no special recognition for these files. Some developers prefer to create empty '.gitignore' files instead of '.gitkeep' but the overall goal remains the same - to ensure that Git tracks an otherwise empty directory. No matter which convention you follow, the key point to remember is that this is a means of structuring your project in a way that makes sense for your specific needs.

How Can I Open GITKEEP File on Windows

How Can I Open GITKEEP File on Mac OS

How Can I Open GITKEEP File on Android

If you downloaded a GITKEEP file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

How to Open GITKEEP File on iPhone or iPad

To open GITKEEP File on iOS device follow steps below:

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GITKEEP file article translations

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