Git Fundamentals

Git is a version control system that tracks changes to your files. Think of it as an unlimited "undo" system for your project.

Key concepts:

• Working Directory — your files as they are right now
• Staging Area — files you've marked to include in the next commit
• Repository — the saved history of all your commits

Try these commands in order in the terminal below:

1. git status — see what files have changed
2. git add index.html — stage a file
3. git status — see it's now staged
4. git commit -m "Add homepage" — save the snapshot

Branches let you work on features without affecting the main code.

main:      A ── B ── C
                     \
feature:              D ── E

Common branch commands:

• git branch feature — create a new branch
• git checkout feature — switch to it
• git checkout -b feature — create + switch (shortcut)
• git merge feature — merge feature into current branch

The typical workflow:

1. Create a branch for your feature
2. Make commits on that branch
3. Switch back to main
4. Merge the feature branch in