Dotfiles

Dotfiles are important files that will play an integral role in your career as a software developer. They are configuration files for various programs that help those programs manage their functionality.

They are called dotfiles, as these are starting with . and are hidden files on Mac and linux by default. E.g., .config/nvim/ or .zshrc, which are located in the home folder $HOME or simply ~.

I have mine on dotfiles.ssp.sh, and someday, I’d like to automate the installation of my Macbook, with all my dotfiles. See more on dotfiles - automatic computer laptop setup (Macbook).

Some common dotfiles that you may have heard of or used before are:

• If you use the Bash shell, you might have a .bash_profile and .bashrc file. Both files contain scripts that load each time you start a new terminal session and configure the shell.
• If you use the Zsh shell, which is the new default for MacOS, you would have (or would’ve created) a .zshrc file that configures and customizes the shell.
• If you use the command line code editor Vim, you would store its configurations in a .vimrc file.
• After setting up and configuring Git on your local machine, you would have a .gitconfig file, which would contain all your information and settings.
• Many programs, instead of storing their configurations in your home directory, instead store them in the hidden .config directory (folder) on your system.

• Mine optimized for Linux these days, but also works for MacOS and some few for Windows:: dotfiles: My nvim, zsh, kitty, obsidian, tmux, and other config files and utility scripts. · GitHub
  • See also Computer Desk Setup and Monitor Workflow, Neovim Setup, dotfiles - automatic computer laptop setup (Macbook)
• GitHub Dotfile List with 32+ dotfiles repos that I find interesting/helpful
• Swyx skill to install MacOS: new-mac-setup

Origin:
References: dotfiles - automatic computer laptop setup (Macbook)