Interview Q&A / Git & GitHub

1. How do you unstage a file you added by mistake?

   Use git restore --staged file, or the older git reset HEAD file. The file leaves the staging area but your edits stay in the working directory.

   BeginnerQuick answer1 min read
2. What is the difference between git diff and git diff --staged?

   git diff shows changes in your working files that are not yet staged. git diff --staged shows changes already added to the staging area, which is exactly what the next commit will contain.

   BeginnerQuick answer1 min read
3. What is the staging area in Git, and why does it exist?

   The staging area (index) is a holding zone between your working files and the next commit. git add puts chosen changes there, so a commit contains exactly what you picked rather than everything you touched.

   BeginnerQuick answer1 min read