Add .gitignore and CONTRIBUTING.md files

- Created a .gitignore file to exclude Python cache files, virtual environments, and IDE/editor files.
- Added a CONTRIBUTING.md file with guidelines for contributing to the project, including code of conduct, development setup, and testing guidelines.

.gitignore

@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+# Python cache files
+__pycache__/
+*.py[cod]
+*$py.class
+*.so
+.Python
+build/
+develop-eggs/
+dist/
+downloads/
+eggs/
+.eggs/
+lib/
+lib64/
+parts/
+sdist/
+var/
+wheels/
+*.egg-info/
+.installed.cfg
+*.egg
+
+# Code parser cache
+~/.code_parser_cache/
+.code_parser_cache/
+
+# Tree-sitter build artifacts
+*.so
+build/
+
+# Virtual environments
+venv/
+env/
+ENV/
+.env/
+.venv/
+env.bak/
+venv.bak/
+
+# Editor/IDE files
+.idea/
+.vscode/
+*.swp
+*.swo
+.DS_Store
+.ipynb_checkpoints
+
+# Local configuration
+.local/
+.history/
+
+# Logs
+*.log

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -0,0 +1,110 @@
+# Contributing to Code Chunker
+
+Thank you for your interest in contributing to Code Chunker! This document provides guidelines and information for contributing to this project.
+
+## Table of Contents
+- [Code of Conduct](#code-of-conduct)
+- [Getting Started](#getting-started)
+- [How to Contribute](#how-to-contribute)
+- [Development Setup](#development-setup)
+- [Pull Request Process](#pull-request-process)
+- [Testing Guidelines](#testing-guidelines)
+- [Style Guidelines](#style-guidelines)
+
+## Code of Conduct
+
+By participating in this project, you agree to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment. We expect all contributors to:
+- Use welcoming and inclusive language
+- Be respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences
+- Gracefully accept constructive criticism
+- Focus on what is best for the community
+
+## Getting Started
+
+1. Fork the repository
+2. Clone your fork locally
+3. Create a new branch for your feature or bugfix
+4. Make your changes following our guidelines
+5. Push to your fork
+6. Submit a Pull Request
+
+## How to Contribute
+
+There are several ways to contribute to Code Chunker:
+
+1. **Bug Reports**: Submit detailed bug reports using the GitHub issue tracker
+2. **Feature Requests**: Propose new features through GitHub issues
+3. **Code Contributions**: Submit Pull Requests with improvements or new features
+4. **Documentation**: Help improve or translate documentation
+5. **Testing**: Add or improve test coverage
+
+## Pull Request Process
+
+1. Update the README.md with details of changes if applicable
+2. Add appropriate unit tests for any new functionality
+3. Ensure all tests pass by running:
+   ```bash
+   python -m unittest discover
+   ```
+4. Update documentation as needed
+5. Ensure your code follows our style guidelines
+6. Create a Pull Request with a clear title and description
+
+## Testing Guidelines
+
+- Write unit tests for all new functionality
+- Maintain or improve code coverage
+- Follow the existing test structure in `test_code_chunker.py`
+- Test multiple file types and edge cases
+- Include both positive and negative test cases
+
+### Test Examples
+- Test basic functionality with simple code files
+- Test edge cases (empty files, large files)
+- Test different programming languages (Python, JavaScript, CSS, etc.)
+- Test with various token limits
+- Test error handling scenarios
+
+## Style Guidelines
+
+### Python Code Style
+- Follow PEP 8 guidelines
+- Use type hints for function parameters and return values
+- Keep functions focused and single-purpose
+- Write clear docstrings for classes and functions
+- Use meaningful variable and function names
+
+### Code Organization
+- Keep related functionality together
+- Maintain clear separation of concerns
+- Follow the existing project structure
+- Use appropriate design patterns
+
+## Language Support
+
+When adding support for new programming languages:
+1. Update the `language_extension_map` in `CodeParser.py`
+2. Add appropriate node types in `_get_node_types_of_interest`
+3. Include test files for the new language
+4. Update documentation accordingly
+
+## Documentation
+
+- Keep README.md up to date
+- Document all new features
+- Include docstrings for new functions and classes
+- Add comments for complex logic
+- Update API documentation if applicable
+
+## Questions or Need Help?
+
+Feel free to:
+- Open an issue for general questions
+- Join our discussions in GitHub Discussions
+- Reach out to maintainers for guidance
+
+## License
+
+By contributing to Code Chunker, you agree that your contributions will be licensed under the same license as the main project.
+
+Thank you for contributing to Code Chunker!