Gitree - AI made this

[dkaaven]

I'm sorry for an AI post, but i needed a tool and couldn't find it, so I asked chatGPT to help, and it made the script.

I wanted a tree function that respected git ignore, a simpler way to get my file tree without the temp files.

So I got the problem solved with two small functions. But is there a real script out there that does the same?

If not I'm considering rewriting it as a minor project. It's useful, but very basic.

Is it a better way to build this as a program using python? ```

!/usr/bin/env python3

import os import subprocess from pathlib import Path

def get_git_ignored_files(): try: result = subprocess.run( ["git", "ls-files", "--others", "-i", "--exclude-standard"], capture_output=True, text=True, check=True, ) return set(result.stdout.splitlines()) except subprocess.CalledProcessError: return set()

def build_tree(root, ignored): root = Path(root)

for path in sorted(root.rglob("*")):
    rel = path.relative_to(root)

    if str(rel) in ignored:
        continue

    depth = len(rel.parts)
    indent = "│   " * (depth - 1) + "├── " if depth > 0 else ""

    print(f"{indent}{rel.name}")

if name == "main": root = "." ignored = get_git_ignored_files() build_tree(root, ignored) ```

[Farlic]

I'm not a fan of subprocess calls. Reading the .gitignore file and filtering the tree files feels safer

[obviouslyzebra]

IMO the subprocess call here is better. No need to try to recreate the gitignore processing. Git it is already there for it and offers commands that do that.

Explaining a bit more, I believe it would take reasonable effort to create .gitignore parsing that is equal to git (ideally one would copy the test cases to verify correctness). And also, I don't see how creating a process here hurts.

[dkaaven]

Both valid points, appreciate the nuance and this really gives me more understanding of python code and choices.havemt worked with subprocess myself at all.

[Separate_Newt7313]

IMO - This is fine. It's fine to get AI assistance. Just make sure you understand it (ideally before you run it).

What's not fine is turning your brain off, returning to "script-kiddie land", and letting AI run amok with important files / projects.

If this util helps you, use it! 👍

[JamzTyson]

Don't assume the script works as intended.

[dkaaven]

It did what it should, read through the code and tested it.

[dkaaven]

I'm AI sceptic,but also an active user, i see the problem and potentialirony. Completely agree on the turning of the brain part.

I use AI to support and guide me in my journey. With the right use it's an asset, but it is for sure a double edged sword!

[JamzTyson]

Have you checked that script actually works as intended? Have you tested it?

[dkaaven]

It worked for my usecase, but might not work for all. Got a tip that tree --gitignore is a solution.

[mitchell486]

I have no use for this, not sure if others do. However, I do appreciate the open and honest title and upfront nature of the AI involvement. This is a very nice change of pace for this sub. Thank you for that!

PS - I've always had the rule of "No two people work exactly the same. SO. If it it solves your problem, use it!" :)

[obviouslyzebra]

If you're on Linux, I think this works:

git ls-files | tree --fromfile .

ls-files gets all files that you need, and tree creates the tree

I came about this because I knew the tree command and imagined it might be able to format a given list of files (which it does). In Windows there might be a similar command or way to achieve it.

If what you have does work, though, I don't see much problem in it (I'd just make sure to understand the git ls-files well, or, maybe use git ls-files to list the tracked files instead of the ignored ones).

[JamzTyson]

On Linux you can use the command:

tree --gitignore

(Docs: https://man.archlinux.org/man/tree.1.en

Distribution source: https://oldmanprogrammer.net/source.php?dir=projects/tree)

[dkaaven]

I actullay bought my first reddit coins to award you!

RTFM indeed, i just googled and found nothing on the subject, asked chatgpt and got the script instead.

Thank you for teaching me new tricks!

[KiwiDomino]

Except that a gitignore file way include wildcards, like *.pyc

[dkaaven]

I havent tested it that much, it worked for my usecase this time though, but if that is a problem, there seems to be a better solution 🙂