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wtf is gitcleaner?

allentdan/gitcleaner — explained in plain English

Analysis updated 2026-08-01 · repo last pushed 2022-08-09

TypeScriptAudience · developerComplexity · 1/5DormantSetup · easy

TL;DR

GitCleaner is a code-editor extension that wipes out leftover Python cache folders with one command, helping keep cluttered projects tidy during big refactoring work.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((repo))
    What it does
      Deletes Python cache folders
      Runs inside code editor
      Triggered by command palette
    Tech stack
      TypeScript
      VS Code Extension
      Python
    Use cases
      Clean up during refactoring
      Remove stale cache across branches
      Tidy cluttered workspace
    Audience
      Developers
      Project managers
    Limitations
      Only Python cache
      Meant for refactoring projects
      Brief documentation

Code map

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Why would anyone build with this?

REASON 1

Wipe out all leftover Python cache folders in your project with a single command.

REASON 2

Clean up clutter when switching between different project branches that create lots of temporary cache folders.

REASON 3

Quickly tidy a Python codebase that has accumulated cache folders during a big refactoring effort.

What's in the stack?

TypeScriptVS Code ExtensionPython

How it stacks up

allentdan/gitcleaner0xdevalias/sparkle0xdevalias/webcrack
LanguageTypeScriptTypeScriptTypeScript
Last pushed2022-08-092022-06-292026-06-03
MaintenanceDormantDormantMaintained
Setup difficultyeasymoderatemoderate
Complexity1/54/52/5
Audiencedeveloperdeveloperdeveloper

Figures from each repo's GitHub metadata at analysis time.

How do you spin it up?

Difficulty · easy Time to first run · 5min

Install the extension in your code editor and trigger it via the command palette, no external dependencies required.

Wtf does this do

GitCleaner is a tool that helps you clear out leftover Python cache folders that tend to pile up in your code projects. When you're working on a project and switching between different versions or branches, your computer automatically creates these temporary folders called "__pycache__" to help things run faster. Over time, they can clutter up your workspace, and this tool gives you a quick way to wipe them all out at once. The tool works as a command inside your code editor. You press a keyboard shortcut (control-shift-p) to open a search bar, type "Remove Pycache," and hit enter. The tool then searches through your project and deletes every folder that contains "__pycache__," cleaning up the clutter without you having to hunt down and delete each one manually. This is designed for people working on Python projects that are undergoing significant changes or refactoring. The creator notes that these cache folders become especially common when there's a big gap between different branches of your project. If you're a developer or project manager juggling multiple versions of a Python codebase and noticing these folders accumulating, this tool offers a straightforward way to tidy things up. One thing to note is that the documentation is quite brief and specific. The tool focuses on removing Python cache folders and is described as being "only for projects under refactoring." If you're dealing with other types of clutter or different programming languages, this tool may not cover those needs, but for its narrow purpose of clearing Python cache, it provides a quick and targeted solution.

Yoink these prompts

Prompt 1
Help me install the GitCleaner extension in my code editor and run the Remove Pycache command to clean up my Python project.
Prompt 2
I have a Python project with leftover cache folders scattered everywhere. Guide me through using GitCleaner to find and delete them all at once.
Prompt 3
Show me how to use the command palette shortcut control-shift-p to run GitCleaner and remove Python cache folders during a refactoring project.

Frequently asked questions

wtf is gitcleaner?

GitCleaner is a code-editor extension that wipes out leftover Python cache folders with one command, helping keep cluttered projects tidy during big refactoring work.

What language is gitcleaner written in?

Mainly TypeScript. The stack also includes TypeScript, VS Code Extension, Python.

Is gitcleaner actively maintained?

Dormant — no commits in 2+ years (last push 2022-08-09).

How hard is gitcleaner to set up?

Setup difficulty is rated easy, with roughly 5min to a first successful run.

Who is gitcleaner for?

Mainly developer.

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