What is the git add command used for?

git add is used to add changes to the staging area (index), that is, to prepare files or parts of them for the next commit.

#What git add does

After changing files:

git add:

• does not save changes permanently
• does not create a commit
• just marks changes that will go into the next commit

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#Main use cases

#Add a single file

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#Add all changes

Adds:

• new files
• modified files
• deleted files

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#Add part of a file (interactively)

Allows you to:

• choose specific changes (hunks)
• make logically clean commits

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#Add all files of a certain type

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#Frequent mistakes

• Thinking that git add immediately makes a commit
• Using git add . without checking git status
• Adding .env, node_modules, build artifacts

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#Relation to git status

After git add:

Shows:

• Changes to be committed
• Changes not staged for commit

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#Short version for an interview

git add adds changes from the working directory to the staging area, preparing them for a commit.