Git Local Only

A VS Code extension that introduces a new SCM resource group named "Local Only Files" for tracked files that should remain modified locally but never participate in staging or commit workflows.

The Problem

Developers frequently maintain local modifications in tracked files that should never be committed (e.g., .env tweaks, local debug flags in code, or personalized config files). If they are tracked by Git, they constantly appear in the "Changes" view and can easily be accidentally committed.

The Solution

This extension provides a dedicated "Local Only Files" view in the Source Control panel.

By right-clicking any file in the Explorer or Source Control view, you can Add to Local Only. This removes it from Git's radar, hiding it from the "Changes" tab so it can never be accidentally committed or staged.

How it works

Behind the scenes, this extension leverages Git's native --skip-worktree flag (git update-index --skip-worktree <file>). This precisely matches the requirement: modifying tracked files without ever committing them. By using native Git flags, it guarantees these files are natively ignored by all Git clients (including the built-in VS Code Git extension).

Usage

1. Right-click on a file in the VS Code Explorer or the Source Control "Changes" view.
2. Select Add to Local Only.
3. The file will disappear from your normal Git changes and move to the Local Only Files view inside the Source Control panel.
4. To restore normal Git tracking, right-click the file in the Local Only Files view and select Remove from Local Only.