Dotfiles
A dotfile is a Linux configuration file, usually prefaced with a dot (like
.config) so that it stays hidden (ie. when you list files with ls) unless
you explicitly look for it (ls -a).
Such things are very much a question of personal preference and incremental
evolution, so it is good to keep track of your own with a git repository.
Arguably, the best setup uses a bare repository, as suggested by
@StreakyCobra.
# clone dotfiles bare repo
git clone --bare https://github.com/$USERNAME/.dotfiles.git $HOME/.dotfiles
# define alias
alias dotfiles='/usr/bin/git --git-dir=$HOME/.dotfiles/ --work-tree=$HOME'
# ignore untracked files
dotfiles config --local status.showUntrackedFiles no
# checkout dotfiles
dotfiles checkout
# add/commit/push dotfiles
dotfiles add FILE
dotfiles commit -m "Add FILE that does THING"
dotfiles push
My configuration combines various pieces:
- vim for the editor, and vim key-bindings wherever possible;
- zsh for the shell;
- tmux for managing panels and windows without a GUI environment;
- i3 for managing panels and windows within a GUI environment;
- xterm as terminal emulator within a GUI environment;
- a .dircolors file which works both with and without GUI;
- welcome messages that help the user get started;
- aliases to go straight to whichever config file you want to edit.
Read my personal config cheatsheet for full details.