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Here is a step-by-step guide to add a .gitignore file directly inside GitHub Desktop:

Step 1: Open Repository Settings

Once the repository is created, but before you commit & push the first time Go to the “Repository” menu at the top and select Repository Settings.
In the Repository Settings window, click on the Ignored Files tab.
- This is where you can add files and directories that you want Git to ignore.

Step 4: Add Entries to `.gitignore`

In the Ignored Files tab, add the files, directories, or patterns you want Git to ignore.
- For example, you should add:
```
/bin/
.classpath
.project
.DS_Store
```
Each line represents a different file, folder, or pattern to ignore.
Once you’re done adding the entries, click Save.

Step 5: Commit the `.gitignore` File

After adding ignored files in the repository settings, GitHub Desktop will automatically create a .gitignore file.
In the Changes tab, you will see that a new .gitignore file has been created and listed as a change.
Enter a commit message (e.g., “Add .gitignore”).
Click Commit to master/main to save the .gitignore file to the repository.

Step 6: Push Changes to GitHub

After committing the .gitignore file, click Push origin to upload your changes to the remote repository on GitHub.

Step 7: Verify on GitHub

Go to your repository on GitHub.com.
You should see the .gitignore file listed, and files added to .gitignore will no longer be tracked in the repository.

Summary:

After you create a new repository in GitHub Desktop.
Open repository settings and add files to ignore directly through GitHub Desktop under Ignored Files.
Commit and push the .gitignore without leaving GitHub Desktop.

The following videos in the coursework cover GitIgnore:

Unit 3-4 Java Basics:

Lesson 2: Quick Git Talk (git ignore starts at 2 min mark)

The BEST video is the Assignment GitHub Prep (start at 8 minute mark)

After Lesson 10:

Assignment GitHub Prep