> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vale.sh/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vale.sh/guides/globbing.md).

# Globbing

Learn how to use glob patterns in Vale.

[Glob](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glob_\(programming\)) patterns are used for matching file paths in a filesystem. They are commonly employed in command-line tools, scripting languages, and libraries to specify sets of filenames or directories.

This guide will cover the basics of using glob patterns in Vale.

## [Syntax](#syntax)

Vale supports the following glob syntax:

* `/` to separate path segments.
* `*` to match zero or more characters, including `/`.
* `?` to match one character other than `/`.
* `**` to match zero or more directories.
* `[]` to declare a range of characters to match.
* `{}` to declare a set of patterns to match.
* `[!...]` to negate a range of characters to match.

{% hint style="info" %}
`*` isn't limited to a single path segment: `docs/*.md` matches `docs/sub/nested.md` as well as `docs/page.md`. Use `?` where you need to stay within one segment.
{% endhint %}

Additionally, when using the `--glob` flag, you can use the `!` prefix to negate the *entire* pattern:

```sh
# Match all files except those with a `.md` or `.py` extension.
$ vale --glob='!**/*.{md,py}' path/to/files
```

## [Precedence](#precedence)

When evaluating glob patterns, the result of using the `--glob` flag is computed *first*, followed by any sections in the `.vale.ini` file.

For example, given the following `.vale.ini`:

```ini
StylesPath = styles

[*.md]
BasedOnStyles = Test
```

And this directory structure:

```
cases/test/
├── a.md
├── b
│   └── b.md
└── c.md
```

We can then run Vale with the following command:

```bash
$ vale --glob='!**/b/*' .
 cases/test/c.md
 8:37  warning  Found 'Here'.  Test.Test

 cases/test/a.md
 8:37  warning  Found 'Here'.  Test.Test
```

You’ll notice that the `b.md` file is not included in the output because the `--glob` flag takes precedence over the `.vale.ini` file.


---

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