Git New Files
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 foldergit 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:
Example: Simple HTML File
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>Hello World!</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Hello world!</h1>
<p>This is
the first file in my new Git Repo.</p>
</body>
</html>
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 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:
Example
git status
On branch main
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.
Usepwdto check your current directory. - File not listed in
git status: Make sure you are in the correct folder and that you saved the file.
