Should You Include IDE Configuration Files in Version Control?

Managing Project Files in Version Control

The question of whether to store project files like Eclipse's configuration files under version control has been a topic of debate for many developers. This article examines the merits of including these files in the version control system.

Files to Include in Version Control

According to the provided answer, it is recommended to include any portable setting files in version control. This includes files such as:

• .project
• .classpath (provided it does not contain absolute paths)
• IDE settings, including important static code analysis rules

Reasons for Inclusion

Including these files in version control ensures that:

• Team members can easily access and manage the project configuration.
• Consistency in project settings is maintained, reducing the risk of errors due to individual user preferences.
• Essential static code analysis rules are applied to all users working on the project, improving code quality.

User-Specific Settings

While IDE-specific settings are generally excluded from version control, it is recommended to document these recommendations clearly in a README file. This ensures that users can easily configure their IDEs to match the project's requirements.

Rule of Thumb

The ultimate goal is to minimize the time and effort required for users to set up and work on the project. By including portable setting files in version control, developers can achieve a streamlined setup process and focus on their coding tasks.

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