python_treeLsCat is a lightweight Python utility designed to crawl a project directory, generate a visual folder structure (tree), and consolidate the content of all text-based files into a single output file.

It is specifically built to respect .gitignore rules and automatically skip binary files, making it perfect for preparing codebases for LLM analysis (ChatGPT/Claude) or quick code audits.

• Smart Tree Generation: Creates an alphabetical directory tree.
• Full Gitignore Support: Automatically reads your project's .gitignore and skips hidden/ignored files (e.g., node_modules, bin/, obj/).
• Binary Protection: Intelligently detects and skips binary files (.dll, .exe, .png, etc.) using null-byte detection.
• Safe Saving: Never overwrites files; it adds a numeric suffix (e.g., output_1.txt) if the file already exists.
• Auto-Configuration: Generates a config.ini on the first run if one isn't found.
• Detailed Logging: Provides timestamps and debug info for every action.

1. Clone the repository:

    git clone git@github.com:mamba73/python_treeLsCat.git
    cd python_treeLsCat

   Install dependencies: This tool requires the pathspec library:

   pip install pathspec

1. Run the script:

   python python_treeLsCat.py

2. Configure: On the first run, a config.ini will be created. Set your project path:

   [SETTINGS]
   PATH = C:\Path\To\Your\Project
   SAVE = project_summary.txt

3. Check Output: The result will be stored in the ./save (sub)directory of python_treeLsCat.

The generated file will look like this:

PROJECT STRUCTURE: MyProject
------------------------------
├─ src/
│  ├─ main.py
│  └─ utils.py
├─ .gitignore
└─ README.md

============================================================

src/main.py
---
[File Content Here]
---
---
README.md
---
[File Content Here]
---
---

This project is open-source and available under the MIT License.

Developed by mamba73. Feel free to submit issues or pull requests!

Buy Me a Coffee ☕