Untracked vs tracked files in Git - Quick Revision & Key Differences

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a tracked file in Git?

A tracked file is a file that Git knows about and is monitoring for changes. It has been added to the repository at some point, usually with git add, and is part of the version history.

beginner

What does it mean when a file is untracked in Git?

An untracked file is a file in your working directory that Git does not know about yet. It has not been added to the repository, so Git does not monitor it until you tell it to track the file.

beginner

How can you see which files are tracked or untracked in your Git repository?

You can run git status. It shows tracked files with changes and lists untracked files separately under "Untracked files".

beginner

How do you start tracking an untracked file?

Use the command git add <filename>. This stages the file and tells Git to track it in the next commit.

beginner

What happens if you modify a tracked file?

Git notices the change and marks the file as modified. You can then stage the changes with git add and commit them to save the new version.

Which command shows untracked files in your Git repository?

A git commit

B git clone

C git push

D git status

git status lists untracked files under the "Untracked files" section.

What does it mean if a file is listed under "Untracked files" in git status?

A The file is new and not yet added to Git

B The file is deleted

C The file is committed

D The file is ignored by Git

Untracked files are new files Git has not been told to track yet.

How do you start tracking a new file in Git?

A git clone <filename>

B git commit <filename>

C git add <filename>

D git push <filename>

git add stages a file to be tracked and committed.

If you modify a tracked file, what is the next step to save changes in Git?

A git add <filename>

B git clone

C git status

D git init

You stage changes with git add before committing.

Which of these files will Git not track by default?

A Tracked files

B Untracked files not added

C Files staged with git add

D Committed files

Untracked files are not tracked by Git until added.

Explain the difference between tracked and untracked files in Git.

Think about what Git knows and monitors in your project.

Describe the steps to start tracking a new file and save its changes in Git.

Consider the commands to add and commit files.