> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.snyk.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.snyk.io/developer-tools/integrations/snyk-ide-plugins-and-extensions/visual-studio-code-extension/create-a-.dcignore-file.md). # Create a .dcignore file How to create a .dcignore file to exclude files and directories from Snyk Code scans To ignore certain files and directories, for example, `node_modules`, create a `.dcignore` file. You can create it in any directory on any level, starting from the directory where your Project resides. The file syntax is identical to `.gitignore`. * Snyk recommends adding the file when there is no `.gitignore` file. Adding the file significantly reduces the files that need to be uploaded and speeds up the analysis. * To quickly add the default `.dcignore` file, use the command provided by VS Code and the Snyk extension, `snyk create .dcignore file`, and save the newly created `.dcignore` file. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.snyk.io/developer-tools/integrations/snyk-ide-plugins-and-extensions/visual-studio-code-extension/create-a-.dcignore-file.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.