gitignore - How to ignore all hidden directories/files recursively in a git repository?

Question

I'd like to have Git ignore all hidden files and directories. i.e.

• .aptitude
• .ssh/
• .bash_rc
• config/.hidden

Is there a simple rule to cover this without specifically adding each entry?

Answer 1

Just add a pattern to .gitignore

.*
!/.gitignore

Edit: Added the .gitignore file itself (matters if it is not yet commited).