Detailed Explanation of the Relationships Between Git Working Directory, Staging Area, and Local Repository
The three core areas of Git (working directory, staging area, and local repository) have clear divisions of labor and work together to complete version control. **Working Directory** is the directory you directly operate on (e.g., a project folder), where you can freely modify files (add, delete, edit). It is the "operation site" visible to the user. **Staging Area** is a hidden temporary area (`.git/index`). You use `git add` to stage changes for commit, and you can preview or undo them (e.g., `git reset HEAD <file>`). It acts like a "transfer station/fridge". **Local Repository** is the `.git` directory, which stores project version history, branches, etc. Changes from the staging area are committed into version history via `git commit`, making it a "permanent storage room". The core workflow among the three is: **Modify → Stage → Commit**: Modify files in the working directory, stage them with `git add`, and commit to the local repository with `git commit`. Understanding this workflow allows you to manage code versions clearly and avoid operational chaos.
Read MoreUnderstanding Git's HEAD Pointer: The Underlying Logic of Version Rollback
HEAD is a special pointer in Git that marks the current version's position, by default pointing to the latest commit of the current branch, acting as a "coordinate" for the timeline. It is closely associated with branches and by default follows the branch to its latest commit. Version rollback essentially involves modifying the HEAD pointer to jump from the current version to a historical version, at which point the branch will also move accordingly. For example, after rolling back to historical version B, the workspace state updates synchronously, and a new commit will generate a new version, advancing the branch forward. It is important to note the following when performing the operation: avoid rolling back pushed versions to prevent collaboration confusion; directly pointing to a historical commit will put you in a "detached HEAD" state, which requires manual handling. HEAD is a core element of version control, and understanding its role enables clear management of version iterations and rollbacks.
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