GitHow-ToBeginner · 3 min read

How to Use git status: Check Your Git Repository State

Use the git status command to see the current state of your Git repository. It shows which files are staged, unstaged, or untracked, and the branch you are on.

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Syntax

The basic syntax of git status is simple and has no required options. You can add options to customize the output.

git status: Shows the current status of your working directory and staging area.
git status -s: Shows a short, concise status output.
git status -b: Shows branch information along with status.

bash

git status

git status -s

git status -b

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Example

This example shows how git status displays the state of files in your repository. It tells you which files are new, modified, or staged for commit.

bash

$ git status
On branch main
Your branch is up to date with 'origin/main'.

Changes not staged for commit:
  (use "git add <file>..." to update what will be committed)
  (use "git restore <file>..." to discard changes in working directory)
        modified:   example.txt

Untracked files:
  (use "git add <file>..." to include in what will be committed)
        newfile.txt

no changes added to commit (use "git add" and/or "git commit -a")

Output

On branch main Your branch is up to date with 'origin/main'. Changes not staged for commit: (use "git add <file>..." to update what will be committed) (use "git restore <file>..." to discard changes in working directory) modified: example.txt Untracked files: (use "git add <file>..." to include in what will be committed) newfile.txt no changes added to commit (use "git add" and/or "git commit -a")

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Common Pitfalls

Beginners often expect git status to show committed changes or remote updates, but it only shows local changes. Another mistake is ignoring untracked files that need to be added before committing.

Also, forgetting to stage files with git add means changes won't be included in the next commit even if git status shows them as modified.

bash

$ git status
Changes not staged for commit:
        modified:   file.txt

# Wrong: committing without staging
$ git commit -m "Update file"
On branch main
No changes added to commit

# Right: stage before commit
$ git add file.txt
$ git commit -m "Update file"

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Quick Reference

Command	Description
git status	Show full status of working directory and staging area
git status -s	Show short status with symbols for changes
git status -b	Show branch info with status
git add	Stage file changes for commit
git commit -m "msg"	Commit staged changes with message

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Key Takeaways

Use git status to see which files are changed, staged, or untracked.

Always stage files with git add before committing changes.

git status shows local changes, not remote repository updates.

Use git status -s for a concise view of changes.

Check your branch name and status before committing.