Dotfiles are basically all files in our system, which starts with a period .. Most of the cases dot files are configuration files.

The good part of maintaining dot files in one place is

• Its easy to setup a new machine with all our dependecies installed.
• Chances of getting screwed up with config files are quiet high, thus maintaining with vcs is a good practice.

Below links can help, to understand more about dot files.

Getting started

Dot files are mostly specific to users, and people sould be carefull while using others dot files. Its always good to start from your friend's dot file :)