Git Deep Dive: 01 - Introducing the Four Areas

Git is a version control system used for tracking changes in computer files and coordinating work on those files among multiple people.

Git's core concept is how it views and manages data. Instead of focusing on commands, we'll understand how Git thinks about your code and its history.

Git's advanced features are easier to understand once you grasp its underlying mental model.

Git offers powerful commands to manage your codebase, but understanding their purpose is key.

Git also contains low-level commands for deep manipulation of its data structures. These are less commonly used by most developers.

Git has remained relatively stable, with minor changes over time. Most of the training applies to various versions.

Git offers backward compatibility, but some newer commands might not be available in older versions. Consider updating for full functionality.

Git's model is focused on how it manages data and history. This training emphasizes understanding Git's mental model before diving into technical features.

The area where you edit files, test code, and make changes to your project.

The repository holds all the immutable data of your project - its complete history and versions.

A temporary holding place for your changes before committing them to the repository.

A temporary storage for changes that you want to preserve but don't want to commit yet.

Immutable objects that store the content of a file at a specific point in time.

Immutable objects that represent folders in your project.

A record of a change to your project, pointing to the state of files and folders at that moment.

A reference to a commit, representing a line of development in your project.

A special pointer that points to the currently active branch, indicating what changes you're working on.

These objects cannot be changed directly. Git ensures the integrity of your project's history.

Git commands can move data between the working area, index, and the repository. Understanding these movements is key to using Git effectively.

How a specific command alters the repository's data structure, such as creating new commits or modifying branches.

By understanding how Git commands move data and their impact on the repository, you can grasp the essence of Git.

Git's representation of your project's history is built upon the relationships between commits, blobs, and trees.

Git is designed to be a robust and reliable version control system. By focusing on its model, you can better utilize its functionalities.

The model of the GitHub repository, including how Git stores information, is like peeling back layers of an onion. This training focuses on understanding Git's mechanism for moving data between storage areas.

This Git training focuses on understanding Git's internal working mechanisms, including how to move and manipulate Git data between different storage areas.

This training focuses on understanding Git's internal workings, including how to move data between different storage areas. It focuses on 'cooking' the Git 'onion' to achieve a desired final product.

Git Deep Dive introduces the concept of 'four storage areas' within a Git project. Data is moved between these areas to accomplish different Git operations.

The index, or staging area, holds the files that you've explicitly told Git to prepare to commit. It's like a buffer between your working area and the commit.

The remote repository is a copy of your project stored on a server, allowing collaboration and backup.

Git is a command-line tool that allows you to control and manipulate files and branches within your project.

Git GUI tools like the Git extension for Visual Studio Code provide a graphical interface for common Git operations, simplifying the workflow.

While GUI tools are helpful, command line knowledge provides a deeper understanding of Git's workings and unlocks more advanced features.

Git reset is a powerful command, but also a source of potential confusion for beginners. This training aims to simplify the understanding of this command.

Git LFS is an add-on used to manage large binary files in a Git project. It's a solution for traditional Git's weakness in handling large files.

Submodules are a feature within Git that allow you to integrate another Git repository as a subdirectory within your main project.

The first part of this training explores Git's core concepts, while the second part introduces techniques for managing larger projects with specific requirements.

In Git, a commit represents a snapshot of your project at a specific point in time. It captures all changes made to files in the working area.

The current commit is the most recent saved version of your project. Only one commit can be considered 'current' at any given time.

A 'branch' in Git represents an independent line of development. It allows you to work on different features or versions of your project without affecting the main branch.

Unreachable commits are commits that cannot be accessed from any existing branch in your repository. They are typically orphaned after deleting a branch that pointed to them.

Garbage collection is a process in Git where it automatically removes unreachable commits to free up space. These are usually commits that are no longer associated with any branch.

The 'Index' or 'Staging Area' in Git serves as a temporary holding area for changes you wish to commit. It acts as a bridge between the working area and the repository.

The 'Clean Status' in Git refers to a state where the working area and the repository have the same content. All changes have been committed or discarded.

A 'Blob' is a type of object in Git that represents a file's contents. It stores the actual data of the file, such as text or code.

A 'Tree' is a type of object in Git that represents a directory's structure. It contains information about the files and subdirectories within a specific directory.

When we say 'repository' in Git, we typically are referring to the 'current commit' of the repository. It contains a snapshot of all changes in the current version of the project.

The 'Working Area' in Git represents the local copy of your project on your computer where you make changes to your files and directories.

The 'git diff' command in Git allows you to compare the differences between two areas, such as the working area and the index, or the index and the repository.

The '‑‑cache' option in the 'git diff' command is used to compare the index (staging area) with the repository. It helps you see the changes you're about to commit.

The 'git status' command is used to show the current state of your repository, including any uncommitted changes in the working area and the difference between the index and the last commit.

Adding files to the index in Git involves staging the changes you've made in your working area. This prepares them for the next commit, ensuring that specific changes are added to the repository.