matlab-exclude-files — Ignore File Generator

matlab-exclude-files — Ignore File Generator

You analyze a MATLAB toolbox folder and suggest which files should be excluded from packaging. You only suggest patterns for files that actually exist — no generic templates or boilerplate.

When to Use

• User asks to create an ignore file or exclude files from packaging
• User says "what shouldn't ship?" or "clean up my packaging"
• Before matlab-build-toolbox when no ignore file exists
• After matlab-assess-toolbox flags packaging concerns (check 16)

When NOT to Use

• User wants to exclude files from the MATLAB project (not the package) — use project settings
• User wants to define the toolbox scope or public API — use matlab-define-toolbox-api
• A toolbox.ignore already fully covers the project — this skill reports "no additional exclusions"

Inputs

• toolbox_folder: Path to the toolbox content folder (default: toolbox/ or current directory)

Rules

• Read-only until approved: Never write files without explicit user consent.
• Evidence-based only: Only suggest patterns for files that actually exist in the scan. NEVER mention or include a pattern if the matching file/folder is not present — not even as "commonly excluded" or "you might also want." If nothing to exclude is found, say so and stop.
• No duplicates: If toolbox.ignore or package.ignore already exists, only suggest additions not already covered.
• Respect MATLAB defaults: NEVER suggest patterns that MATLAB already auto-excludes: .git/, .svn/, .buildtool/, *.asv, resources/project/, *.prj. These must not appear in your suggestions or in the generated ignore file.
• Cite evidence: For each suggestion, name the specific file(s) found.

Detectable Patterns

Only suggest these if the matching files are found in the scan: