Working Directory

Understand where files are edited and how Git detects changes.

What is the working directory?

The working directory is the folder on your computer where your project files live. like vs-code

Before Git tracks anything, changes happen here first.

How Git sees the working directory?

Git continuously compares:

• The current state of your files

• The last saved snapshot (commit)

If something changes, Git marks the file as modified.

File states in the working directory

• Untracked – new files Git doesn’t know yet

• Modified – files changed since the last commit

Why the working directory matters

Understanding the working directory helps you:

• Avoid committing unfinished work

• Control what goes into a commit

• Debug unexpected changes

Think of the working directory as your draft area. Nothing is permanent until you commit it.