> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://notes.kodekloud.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Demo 2 Basic Git Commands

> Learn basic Git commands for version control through a simple mock project, covering repository initialization, staging, committing, and inspecting commit history.

Learn how to use Git for version control by walking through a simple mock project. We’ll cover:

* Initializing a Git repository
* Staging and committing files
* Inspecting commit history

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the core Git commands for day-to-day workflows.

***

## Table of Contents

1. [Initialize a Git Repository](#initialize-a-git-repository)
2. [Stage and Commit `greetings.txt`](#stage-and-commit-greetingstxt)
3. [Add and Commit `bye.txt`](#add-and-commit-byetxt)
4. [Quick Reference: Common Git Commands](#quick-reference-common-git-commands)
5. [Links and References](#links-and-references)

***

## 1. Initialize a Git Repository

Start by creating a new directory and turning it into a Git repository:

```bash theme={null}
mkdir hello-git
cd hello-git
git init
```

You should see:

```bash theme={null}
Initialized empty Git repository in /path/to/hello-git/.git/
```

Now you’re inside a Git-controlled project. All subsequent Git commands will operate here.

***

## 2. Stage and Commit `greetings.txt`

First, create a file named `greetings.txt`:

```bash theme={null}
nano greetings.txt
```

<Frame>
  ![The image shows a GNU Nano text editor screen with a new file named "greetings.txt" open. The screen displays various command options at the bottom.](https://kodekloud.com/kk-media/image/upload/v1752882506/notes-assets/images/Open-Source-for-Beginners-Demo-2-Basic-Git-Commands/gnu-nano-text-editor-greetings-file.jpg)
</Frame>

Check the repository status to see untracked files:

```bash theme={null}
git status
```

Sample output:

```git theme={null}
On branch master
No commits yet
Untracked files:
  (use "git add <file>..." to include in what will be committed)
        greetings.txt
```

Stage and commit your changes:

```bash theme={null}
git add greetings.txt
git commit -m "Add greetings.txt with initial message"
```

View the commit history:

```bash theme={null}
git log
```

Sample output:

```git theme={null}
commit eafd1cdd14d46c191c7aaf2675b5aef6c418c17 (HEAD -> master)
Author: you <you@example.com>
Date:   Sat Sep 24 06:15:31 2022 +0530

    Add greetings.txt with initial message
```

<Callout icon="lightbulb" color="#1CB2FE">
  A clear, descriptive commit message helps you and your team understand the purpose of each change.
</Callout>

***

## 3. Add and Commit `bye.txt`

Repeat the workflow to add a second file:

1. Create `bye.txt`:

   ```bash theme={null}
   nano bye.txt
   ```

2. Confirm it’s untracked:

   ```bash theme={null}
   git status
   ```

3. Stage all changes at once:

   ```bash theme={null}
   git add .
   ```

4. Commit with a message:

   ```bash theme={null}
   git commit -m "Add bye.txt"
   ```

5. Review the full commit history:

   ```bash theme={null}
   git log
   ```

You’ll see both commits listed, with the most recent on top.

<Callout icon="triangle-alert" color="#FF6B6B">
  Always run `git status` before committing to avoid accidentally omitting or including unwanted files.
</Callout>

***

## Quick Reference: Common Git Commands

| Command                     | Use Case                                  | Example                                        |
| --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| `git init`                  | Create a new Git repository               | Initialize version control in a project        |
| `git status`                | Show untracked, staged, and changed files | Verify your working directory state            |
| `git add <file>`            | Stage changes for the next commit         | `git add greetings.txt`                        |
| `git add .`                 | Stage all changes                         | Stage new, modified, and deleted files         |
| `git commit -m "<message>"` | Commit staged changes with a message      | `git commit -m "Add new feature"`              |
| `git log`                   | View commit history                       | Display commits in reverse chronological order |

***

## Links and References

* [Git Documentation](https://git-scm.com/doc)
* [Understanding the Git Workflow](https://www.atlassian.com/git/tutorials/what-is-version-control)
* [GitHub Guides](https://guides.github.com/)

Start practicing these commands today to build a solid foundation in version control!

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Watch Video" icon="video" cta="Learn more" href="https://learn.kodekloud.com/user/courses/open-source-for-beginners/module/fbb6900d-94ee-411a-8821-42557ca81867/lesson/b82f73e9-02cf-42af-a04d-64db6db328f0" />
</CardGroup>