Git-temp (local scratchpad for AI agents that won't clutter Git status)
Free 1
FreeFree tier
About Git-temp (local scratchpad for AI agents that won't clutter Git status)
Git-temp is a lightweight command-line tool that creates a local AI scratchpad inside a Git repository without cluttering the working directory or Git status. It generates a temp/ folder (or custom-named folder) containing subdirectories for scripts, dumps, drafts, and experiments, and automatically adds the folder to .git/info/exclude so it is ignored by Git locally but remains visible to editors and AI tooling. The tool provides commands to initialize, check status, clean, and integrate scratchpad guidelines into existing agent instruction files. It is designed to keep scratch work searchable and taggable while preventing accidental commits and avoiding the pitfalls of shared .gitignore rules or nested temp/.gitignore files.
Key Features
Creates a scratchpad folder (default `temp/`) with subfolders: scripts, dumps, drafts, scratch
Adds folder to `.git/info/exclude` so it is ignored by Git locally but still visible to editors and AI tools
Provides commands: `init`, `status`, `clean`, `integrate`
Integrates scratchpad guidelines into existing agent instruction files (AGENTS.md, CLAUDE.md, .cursorrules, etc.)
Zero-dependency and fast via npx
Keeps scratch work searchable and taggable without polluting git status or committing temporary files
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Prevents accidental commits of temporary files
- Keeps git status clean and focused
- Does not rely on shared `.gitignore` files, avoiding conflicts
- Works with any editor and AI tooling that respects file system visibility
- Simple commands and zero dependencies beyond Node.js and Git
Cons
- Only works inside existing Git repositories
- Requires Node.js 18+ to run
- Limited to local scratchpad; no remote sync or cloud storage
- Scratchpad contents are not automatically deleted unless explicitly cleaned
Best For
AI agents that need a local scratchpad inside a Git repository without affecting git statusDevelopers experimenting with one-off scripts, logs, or draft specificationsTeams wanting a standardized temporary directory that is ignored locally but accessible to all toolingProjects that use `.git/info/exclude` to avoid sharing exclusion rules in `.gitignore`
FAQ
What does git-temp do?
It creates a local scratchpad folder (default `temp/`) inside a Git repository, adds it to `.git/info/exclude` so Git ignores it locally, and keeps the folder visible to editors and AI tools.
How do I install git-temp?
You can use it via npx with `npx git-temp` without installation. Node.js 18+ and Git are required.
What folders does git-temp create?
It creates `temp/scripts/`, `temp/dumps/`, `temp/drafts/`, `temp/scratch/`, and a `README.md` explaining the structure.
Is git-temp zero-dependency?
Yes, it runs via npx with no additional package dependencies beyond the tool itself.
Can I use a different folder name?
Yes, the `init` command accepts an optional directory name. For example: `npx git-temp notes` creates a `notes/` folder.
How do I clean the scratchpad?
Run `npx git-temp clean -f` to delete the scratchpad contents and recreate the standard structure.
What does the integrate command do?
It appends AI scratchpad guidelines to existing instruction files like AGENTS.md, CLAUDE.md, .cursorrules, .windsurfrules, and .github/copilot-instructions.md.