diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..10760875f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+# linux backup files
+*~
+
+# compiled binaries
+output/*
+
+# this one is important, track it
+!output/Memory.xml
+
+# a file generated by cmake
+library/config.h
+
+# any build folders
+build*/
+
+#except for the real one
+!build/
+
+#ignore Kdevelop stuff
+.kdev4