diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9c37b04
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+node_modules/
+dist/
+build/
+coverage/
+
+.env
+.env.*
+!.env.example
+
+.DS_Store
+Thumbs.db
+
+.idea/
+.vscode/
+*.swp
+*.swo
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index d3809b0..2a3e647 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1 +1,15 @@
-# test-code
\ No newline at end of file
+# test-code
+
+This repository is currently a minimal scaffold for a small JavaScript or static-web project. It does not include application code, dependencies, or build tooling yet.
+
+## Current Files
+
+- `README.md`: project status and contributor notes
+- `.gitignore`: common local, build, editor, and OS exclusions
+
+## Contributor Guidance
+
+- Keep new additions small and easy to review.
+- Add documentation alongside any new source files or tooling.
+- Avoid committing generated output, secrets, local environment files, or editor-specific files.
+- Introduce build configuration or dependencies only when the repository has a clear implementation need.