Working tree and staging area

What this means

The working tree contains current files. The staging area is the proposed next snapshot. git status shows how they differ.

In beginner terms, this topic answers one practical question: "What should I write, and why does React care about it?" Do not try to memorize the syntax first. First understand the idea, then connect the syntax to that idea.

Why it matters

Staging lets one working session become several focused commits.

When you build real React screens, this idea helps you decide where data should live, what the user should see, and what should happen after an interaction. That is why this lesson is part of the main path instead of being an optional detail.

Step by step

1. Notice the UI problem this topic solves. 2. Look at the smallest possible example. 3. Change one value and predict what should appear. 4. Run the example and compare the result with your prediction. 5. Use the practice task before moving on.

Small example

git status
git add lesson.ts
git diff --staged

Common mistake

Do not copy working tree and staging area syntax without explaining what problem it solves and checking the result.

Practice task

Change one part of the example, predict the result, run it, and explain the result in your own words.

Remember this

Review staged changes before committing.