Git Workflow Explained: Working Directory, Staging, Commits, and Push

Git is a version control system that tracks file changes, enables collaboration, and backs up projects to remote platforms like GitHub or GitLab. A typical Git workflow moves through four key stages: the working directory, where code is edited but not yet recorded; the staging area, where selected changes are prepared for saving; the commit, which permanently snapshots those changes to the local repository with a unique ID and metadata; and finally, the push, which uploads commits to a remote repository for team access. Each stage gives developers deliberate control over what gets saved and when, unlike auto-save tools such as Google Docs. This structured approach is especially valuable for beginners managing complex software projects where reversibility and clarity matter.