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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tech-git-staging-area

What is Git's staging area, also called the index?

A list of what will go into your next commit.

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  1. What will go into your next commit ✔
  2. A backup of deleted files
  3. The server copy of your code

Why: Git files move through three states: modified (changed), staged (marked for the next commit with git add), and committed (safely stored). Staging lets you commit only some of your changes.

Huh, didn't know that: The staging area is generally stored as an index file inside the Git directory.

The dad joke
My changes were nervous about the commit, so they waited in the staging area.
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References

Answer: What will go into your next commit. Git files move through three states: modified (changed), staged (marked for the next commit with git add), and committed (safely stored). Staging lets you commit only some of your changes.

  1. Pro Git book: What is Git? git-scm.com/book/en/v2/Getting-Started-What-is-Git%3F
    The staging area is a file, generally contained in your Git directory, that stores information about what will go into your next commit.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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