How to use .gitignore for HDL projects

A .gitignore file is an essential tool to ensure that your Git repository remains clean and free from unnecessary files. It tells Git which files and folders to ignore, preventing irrelevant or bulky files from being tracked in version control. For HDL projects, this helps you focus on the essential design files while hiding temporary or auxiliary files that aren’t needed for design reviews.

How to Use .gitignore for HDL Projects

1. Start with an HDL-Specific .gitignore:
To make this easy, you can use a pre-populated .gitignore file designed specifically for HDL projects. This file excludes irrelevant or auxiliary files often generated by tools like Cadence OrCAD, HDL Allegro, and System Capture.

2. Add It to Your Repository:
• Create a new .gitignore file in the root directory of your project.
• Copy the template content below into this file.
• Save and commit the .gitignore file to your repository.

3. What It Hides:
The .gitignore file for HDL projects excludes:
• Backup files, temporary files, and log files.
• Tool-specific lock files, metadata, and journal files.
• Generated outputs not needed for version control or design reviews.

HDL .gitignore Template

# .gitignore for Cadence OrCAD, HDL Allegro, and System Capture projects
# Website: https://www.cadence.com/

### Cadence ###

# Backup files
*,[0-9]
*.bck
*.old

## Schematic
# schematic design lock file
*.DSNlck
# design backup archive
*.DBK

## PCB
# pcb design lock file
*.brd.lck
# generated autorouter metadata
*.did
# local backup file
AUTOSAVE.brd
*.SAV
last_import_time.txt
# generated journal files
*.jrl
# generated error log file
*.dmp

## General
*.log
# generated metadata file
*_convert.txt
# project lock file
*.OLBlck
# ultralibrarian generated documentation
ImportGuide.html

By following these steps and using this .gitignore template, you can ensure that only the necessary files for your HDL project are tracked, keeping your repository clean and focused on design collaboration.