Git New Files

Change Platform:

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GitHub Bitbucket GitLab

What is a New File?

A new file is a file that you have created or copied into your project folder, but haven't told Git to watch.

Here are the key things to know:

• Create a new file (with a text editor)
• ls - List files in the folder
• git status - Check which files are tracked
• Understand untracked and tracked files

Create a New File

Your new Git repository is empty.

Let's add a file using your favorite text editor, and save it in your project folder.

If you need help creating a file, see our HTML Editors page.

For this example, we'll use a simple HTML file:

Save this as index.html in your project folder.

List Files in the Directory

To see which files are in your project folder, use the ls command:

ls
index.html

ls lists all files in the current folder.

You should see index.html in the output.

Check File Status with git status

Now check if Git is tracking your new file:

git status
On branch master

No commits yet

Untracked files:
  (use "git add <file>..." to include in what will be committed)
    index.html

nothing added to commit but untracked files present (use "git add" to track)

Git sees index.html, but it is untracked (not yet added to the repository).

What is an Untracked File?

An untracked file is any file in your project folder that Git is not yet tracking.

These are files you've created or copied into the folder, but haven't told Git to watch.

What is a Tracked File?

A tracked file is a file that Git is watching for changes.

To make a file tracked, you need to add it to the staging area (covered in the next chapter).

Troubleshooting

• File not showing up with ls: Make sure you saved it in the correct folder.
  Use pwd to check your current directory.
• File not listed in git status: Make sure you are in the correct folder and that you saved the file.