Git

How to List Git Staged Files?

On Git, users can generate and add multiple files to the projects. They can modify files whenever they need. Additionally, developers are allowed to view the list of all staged files. For this purpose, the most commonly used command is “git status .” which displays the current state of the directory and the staged content.

Another Git command, the “git diff” is also used to display all added changes among the Git working directory and its HEAD. In other words, it combines the “git log” and “git status ” commands.

This post will discuss the method of listing staged files in Git.

How to List Git Staged Files?

If developers want to view the list of all staged files, they can perform this operation with the help of the Git different commands, such as “git status .”, “git diff –name-only –cached” and many more.

Let’s step up and check the practical demonstration of the above-stated commands!

Step 1: Redirect to Git Repository

At first, move to the required Git local repository through the provided command:

$ cd "C:\Users\nazma\Git\perk3"

Step 2: Generate and Update File

To make and update a new file, execute the “echo” command:

$ echo "first python file" >> "file1.py"

Here, we have created a new python file in the repository:

Step 3: Track Changes

Next, use the following command to push the working directory changes into the staging index:

$ git add file1.py

Step 4: Create and Modify File Simultaneously

In order to generate and modify the file immediately, use the below-stated command:

$ echo "first text file" >> "file2.txt"

Step 5: Stage Changes

Next, execute the “git add” command to track the unstaged changes from the working area:

$ git add file2.txt

Step 6: View the Repository Status

After that, check the current status of the Git working directory through the “git status .” command:

$ git status .

According to the below-provided output, the current repository contains the “file1.py” and “file2.txt” staged files:

Step 7: View the Staged Files Using git diff Command

Another way to list the staged files is by executing the “git diff” command:

$ git diff --name-only --cached

Here:

  • –name-only” flag is used only to show the name of particular files.
  • –cached” flag is the alternative of the “–staged” option.

As you can see, the above-stated command gives the list of all staged files placed anywhere in the Git directory along with their path:

That’s all! We have explained the procedure of listing the Git staged files.

Conclusion

To view the list of the Git staged files, first, move to the Git required repository. Then, generate and track new files into the staging index. Check the current status of the repository. After that, execute the “git diff –name-only –cached” command to display the list of all staged files. This post demonstrated the process of listing Git staged files.

About the author

Maria Naz

I hold a master's degree in computer science. I am passionate about my work, exploring new technologies, learning programming languages, and I love to share my knowledge with the world.