Understanding git commit -a in Git (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

TutorialJanuary 10, 20265 min read0 views

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Understanding `git commit -a` in Git (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

If you use Git regularly, you’ve probably seen or heard about the command:

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At first glance, it may look confusing, but once you understand it, this command can save time and speed up your workflow. In this article, we’ll break it down in simple terms, with real-world examples and best practices.

What Is `git commit -a`?

The -a flag stands for “all”.

When you run:

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Git will:

Automatically stage all modified files
Automatically stage deleted files
Create a commit in one step

👉 Think of it as a shortcut for:

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Important Rule (Very Important 🚨)

git commit -a only works for files that are already tracked by Git.

It DOES include:

Modified files
Deleted files

It does NOT include:

New (untracked) files
Ignored files

Simple Example (Beginner Friendly)

Step 1: Modify a file

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Step 2: Check status

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Output:

modified: README.md

Step 3: Commit using `-a`

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✅ Done! No need to run git add.

Example with a New File (Common Mistake)

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❌ This will NOT work Why? Because new_feature.dart is untracked.

Correct way:

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Real-World Use Case 💼

Scenario: Quick Bug Fix

You fix:

A UI padding issue
A typo in text
Remove an unused file

All files are already tracked.

Instead of:

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You can simply do:

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✔ Faster ✔ Cleaner ✔ Efficient

`git commit -a` vs Normal Commit

Normal Workflow

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With `-a`

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Feature	`git commit -a`
Stages modified files	✅
Stages deleted files	✅
Stages new files	❌
Faster workflow	✅
Selective control	❌

When Should You Use `git commit -a`?

Use it when:

You made small changes
All changes should go in one commit
You are confident about your edits
Files are already tracked

When NOT to Use It

Avoid git commit -a when:

You want to commit specific files only
You are working on large features
You have experimental or partial changes
You need fine control over staging

Best Practice Tip 💡

Always run:

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Before:

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This prevents accidental commits.

Pro Tip (No `-m`)

You can write a detailed commit message:

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This opens the editor so you can follow proper commit message standards.

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Understanding git commit -a in Git (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Understanding git commit -a in Git (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

What Is git commit -a?

Important Rule (Very Important 🚨)

It DOES include:

It does NOT include:

Simple Example (Beginner Friendly)

Step 1: Modify a file

Step 2: Check status

Step 3: Commit using -a

Example with a New File (Common Mistake)

Correct way:

Real-World Use Case 💼

Scenario: Quick Bug Fix

git commit -a vs Normal Commit

Normal Workflow

With -a

When Should You Use git commit -a?

When NOT to Use It

Best Practice Tip 💡

Pro Tip (No -m)

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Understanding git commit -a in Git (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

What Is git commit -a?

Important Rule (Very Important 🚨)

It DOES include:

It does NOT include:

Simple Example (Beginner Friendly)

Step 1: Modify a file

Step 2: Check status

Step 3: Commit using -a

Example with a New File (Common Mistake)

Correct way:

Real-World Use Case 💼

Scenario: Quick Bug Fix

git commit -a vs Normal Commit

Normal Workflow

With -a

When Should You Use git commit -a?

When NOT to Use It

Best Practice Tip 💡

Pro Tip (No -m)

Understanding `git commit -a` in Git (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

What Is `git commit -a`?

Step 3: Commit using `-a`

`git commit -a` vs Normal Commit

With `-a`

When Should You Use `git commit -a`?

Pro Tip (No `-m`)

Understanding `git commit -a` in Git (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

What Is `git commit -a`?

Step 3: Commit using `-a`

`git commit -a` vs Normal Commit

With `-a`

When Should You Use `git commit -a`?

Pro Tip (No `-m`)