Git & GitHub · Chapter 9 of 42

git status

The `git status` command shows the current state of your working directory and staging area. It tells you which files are modified, staged, or untracked, and which branch you're on.

Running `git status` frequently is a good habit — it helps you understand exactly what will be included in your next commit before you make it.

Syntax

git status
git status -s

Reading the output

git status separates files into groups: 'Changes to be committed' (staged), 'Changes not staged for commit' (modified but not staged), and 'Untracked files' (new files Git doesn't know about yet).

A shorter view

Run `git status -s` for a compact, short-format summary using letters like M (modified), A (added), and ?? (untracked).

Example 1 (bash)

git status

Output

On branch main
Changes not staged for commit:
  modified:   app.js
Untracked files:
  notes.txt

Shows a modified tracked file and a new untracked file.

Example 2 (bash)

git status -s

Output

 M app.js
?? notes.txt

The short format uses single letters to summarize file states compactly.

Key points

git status shows staged, modified, and untracked files.
It also shows your current branch name.
git status -s gives a compact summary.
Running it often helps avoid committing the wrong changes.

💡 Note: git status never changes anything — it's completely safe to run at any time.

git status

Reading the output

A shorter view

Key points

📝 Quick Quiz