In several cases you will encounter files that don't belong in the repository. Typical examples include:

• credentials (passwords, usernames, keys)
• cached files (.pyc)

Git allows users to add a .gitignore file to their top level directory to ignore these specific files

1. create a file in your repository called my_super_secret_stuff.txt
2. run a git status and see that my_super_secret_stuff.txt is untracked but can be added
3. create a .gitignore file if it does not already exist in your top level directory
4. at the top, add my_super_secret_stuff.txt to the file and save it
5. run a git status and see that my_super_secret_stuff.txt doesn't show up anymore!
6. git add your changes
7. git commit with a useful message
8. git push to the remote repository