$ git add notes.txt
→ staged ✓
MODULE 01 · 4 MIN READ
git add — stage the shot
git bash
$ git add notes.txt
$ git status
Changes to be committed:
new file: notes.txt
Run git status again and watch the file move zones — red to green. Same colors as the diagram. The file is now standing in the photo studio, waiting for the shutter.
Why the extra step?
Because sometimes you've changed five files but only want three in this snapshot. The staging area lets you compose the shot instead of photographing your whole messy desk every time.
Stage everything at once
git add . stages every changed file in the folder. Perfectly fine when you genuinely want everything in the photo — which, as a beginner, is most of the time.
practice terminal — you cannot break it
type help for commandsa tiny simulated laptop. six commands, zero consequences.
$
// stage your file with: git add notes.txt