claude-ignore

Claude-ignore is a PreToolUse hook for Claude Code that prevents Claude from reading files matching patterns defined in .claudeignore files, similar to how .gitignore works in Git. It discovers and applies ignore patterns hierarchically, starting from the current directory up through parent directories, allowing flexible configuration across different project levels. When Claude attempts to read a file, the hook checks against all discovered patterns and blocks access if there's a match, exiting with code 2 to prevent the read operation. This tool is designed for developers and operations teams who need to control access to sensitive files, environment variables, secrets, or irrelevant project files during automated workflows. Setup is straightforward using the init command or manual configuration in .claude/settings.json.

1. **Locate or create a `.claudeignore` file** in your project root or specified directory. Add patterns to exclude files (e.g., `node_modules/`, `.env*`, `build/`). 2. **Run claude-ignore** in your terminal or within Claude Code to verify ignored files. Use the command: `claude-ignore --list [DIRECTORY_PATH]` to list ignored files. 3. **Cross-check exclusions** by manually reviewing the output against your `.claudeignore` rules. Ensure no critical files are unintentionally excluded. 4. **Integrate with workflows** by adding claude-ignore to your CI/CD pipeline or automated scripts to ensure consistent file access control. 5. **Update patterns** in `.claudeignore` as your project evolves. Test changes by re-running claude-ignore to confirm new exclusions work as intended.