`[UX/Transparency] Project Initialization silently modifies .gitignore without disclosure`

[coygeek]

Type

Improvement suggestion

Location

Project Initialization Wizard / Add Project Modal

Description

Current Behavior:
When adding an existing folder and running the "Initialize Auto Claude" wizard, the modal lists the following three actions:

1. Create a .auto-claude folder in your project
2. Copy the Auto Claude framework files
3. Set up the specs directory for your tasks

However, upon clicking "Initialize," the application also modifies the project's .gitignore file to exclude the .auto-claude/ directory. This action is performed silently without being listed in the UI.

The Issue:
While automatically updating .gitignore is a helpful feature, doing so without explicit disclosure causes unexpected behavior in version control. Developers expect tools to be fully transparent about file modifications—especially regarding source control configuration.

Steps to Reproduce:

1. Go to Settings > Project Settings > Add Project.
2. Select "Open Existing Folder".
3. When prompted with "Initialize Auto Claude", observe the bulleted list of actions.
4. Click "Initialize".
5. Check git status or git diff.
6. Observe that .gitignore has been modified, despite not being listed in the wizard.

Expected Behavior:
The "Initialize Auto Claude" modal should explicitly state that the .gitignore file will be updated.

Suggested Fix:
Add a fourth bullet point to the initialization confirmation screen:

• "Add .auto-claude to .gitignore"

Alternatively, provide a checkbox to opt-in/out of this specific modification, though a simple text disclosure is sufficient for transparency.

Context:

• Version: 2.7.3-beta.1
• Screenshots attached showing the Modal text vs. the actual Git diff.

Contribution

• I'm willing to submit a PR for this