Git File and Commit Operations: Managing Changes Between States
Introduction
Ever stared at your repo, wondering why a “small” change just won’t commit or push?
GUI tools like GitHub Desktop or VSCode extensions are convenient—but they hide the magic. When things go sideways, or when you need to carefully craft commits, stage parts of files, or undo a “tiny mistake” that isn’t obvious, the GUI often leaves you helpless.
Full CLI Git is where you gain real control. It’s the difference between:
- Clicking buttons blindly and hoping everything works
- Understanding exactly where each change lives (Working Directory, Index, HEAD, Remote) and moving it precisely
Even minor mistakes—like accidentally staging a debug log or overwriting a feature—can snowball into hours of frustration. By mastering the CLI, you can fix problems before they become disasters, cherry-pick changes, or sculpt your commit history like a pro.
Think of this guide as your toolkit: practical commands, clear flows between Git states, and actionable tips to tame your repo—even when the “small” fixes aren’t so small after all.

