Hide .meta Files on GitHub EN

Hide .meta Files on GitHub: Streamlined Repository Views for Developers

Full source code: https://github.com/sator-imaging/Chrome-HideMetaFilesOnGitHub

The "Hide .meta Files on GitHub" browser extension is a purpose-built tool designed to enhance the experience of developers and collaborators working within GitHub repositories, especially those involved with Unity projects. Unity projects commonly generate numerous `.meta` files that, while necessary for the engine, tend to clutter the view when browsing repositories on GitHub. This extension automatically hides all `.meta` files in repository file lists, offering a cleaner, more focused interface so users can concentrate on the meaningful source code and assets without distraction.

The extension operates seamlessly and transparently—once installed, it activates instantly on all GitHub pages containing file lists. It scans the document for filenames ending with the `.meta` extension and hides these entries dynamically using efficient DOM manipulation techniques. No configuration or manual setup is needed from the user. Moreover, it intelligently adapts its interface language for notification popups based on the browser’s language setting, supporting both English and Japanese to accommodate international teams and cross-regional collaboration smoothly.

User experience is a key consideration. When `.meta` files are hidden on a repository page, a concise, user-friendly notification popup appears above the file list, clearly informing the user that `.meta` files have been concealed. This eliminates confusion and helps maintain situational awareness. If at any time users wish to view these hidden files, they can simply click the “Show” button integrated within the popup. This action instantly reveals all `.meta` files without requiring a page reload or additional page navigation, enabling quick inspections when necessary. The toggle feature balances automation with user control, ensuring the extension assists without restricting.

From a technical perspective, the extension employs the Mutation Observer API to monitor and respond to dynamic content changes on GitHub repository pages. This means that as users navigate through folders or interact with the repository’s updating interface, `.meta` files remain hidden automatically and smoothly. This real-time observation mechanism prevents hidden files from reappearing during page updates or AJAX-driven navigation, providing consistency and reliability. Additionally, the extension is lightweight and privacy-conscious: it performs all its functions entirely on the client side, without any tracking, background scripts, or external data communication, ensuring user privacy and optimal browser performance.

For developers who frequently interact with Unity-based projects on GitHub, the "Hide .meta Files on GitHub" extension offers a simple yet effective way to declutter the repository file view. This streamlined presentation reduces visual noise and makes navigation faster and more productive, enhancing overall workflow without sacrificing access to any files. It is an excellent helper for code reviewers, maintainers, and creators who want a more ergonomic and distraction-free code browsing experience.

Key Features:
- Automatically hides `.meta` files in GitHub repository file lists to simplify navigation and reduce visual clutter.
- Supports multiple languages with notification popups adapting seamlessly to English and Japanese based on browser settings.
- Informative notification popup that appears atop file lists to alert users when `.meta` files are hidden, preventing confusion.
- Instant toggle to show or hide `.meta` files via a “Show” button in the popup, allowing flexible control without page reloads.
- Utilizes Mutation Observer technology to continuously monitor and manage file visibility as GitHub pages dynamically update.
- Requires no configuration or permissions, working automatically the moment it is installed.
- Lightweight and privacy-focused with no background activity, no tracking, and zero personal data collected.

How It Works:
1. Install the extension from your browser’s official extension store.
2. Navigate to any GitHub repository page displaying files and folders.
3. The extension scans the repository’s file list for entries ending in `.meta`.
4. All `.meta` files found are immediately hidden from view to declutter the interface.
5. A notification popup appears at the top of the file list, informing you that `.meta` files have been hidden; the message is presented in your browser language.
6. If you need to see the hidden `.meta` files, simply click the “Show” button in the popup, and the files will reappear instantly.
7. The extension continuously observes changes in the file list during navigation or content updates, maintaining the hidden state of `.meta` files unless toggled by the user.

Privacy: - No personal data collected.