GitStaging and Committing in Git

Staging and Committing in Git

Git tracks changes using a three-step workflow:

  1. Modify your files
  2. Add them to the staging area
  3. Commit them to the repository

Git Workflow

Edit → Stage → Commit
  • Edit: Make changes in files
  • Stage: Mark them for versioning
  • Commit: Save the snapshot

Staging vs Committing

StageDescription
git addAdds changes to the staging area
git commitTakes a snapshot of staged changes

Add Files to Staging Area

Single File

git add README.md

All Files in Directory

git add .

. = All files in current and subdirectories


Commit the Files

git commit -m "Adding a README."

Expected Output:

[main cb33c18] Adding a README.
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+)
 create mode 100644 README.md

💡 Use clear, short commit messages for each change


Best Practices for Commits

  • ✅ Use -m for one-line commit messages
  • 📄 Save detailed notes using git commit (opens editor)
  • ⏪ Commits are snapshots of your work

Try It Yourself

Problem 1: Add and Commit One File

Show Code
touch hello.txt
git add hello.txt
git commit -m "Add hello.txt"

Problem 2: Add All and Commit

Show Code
git add .
git commit -m "Initial commit with all files"