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Git Status and Git Log: Beginner’s Guide to Tracking Changes in Git Projects

Git Status vs Git Log

Written by

Edward

in

On 2 min, 21 sec read

Git is a free and open-source distributed version control system used by developers worldwide. Whether you're working solo or collaborating with a team, Git helps you track changes in your project over time.

Two essential Git commands for monitoring your project's history and current state are git status and git log. In this post, we'll explain what they do, show a basic example, and guide you through using them effectively.

📌 What Is git status?

The git status command shows the current state of your working directory and staging area. It tells you:

  • Which changes have been staged
  • Which changes haven’t been staged
  • Which files aren’t being tracked by Git
git status

This is usually the first command you run to check what's happening before you commit.

📌 What Is git log?

The git log command shows the commit history for your repository. It helps you see what changes were made, who made them, and when.

git log

You'll see output like this:

commit 1a2b3c4d5e6f7890
Author: Your Name <your@email.com>
Date:   Tue Jul 23 14:00 2025

    Added README and updated index.html

You can scroll through the commit history and even use filters to find specific changes.

💡 Example: Using Both Commands Together

Let's say you've edited a file in your project but haven't committed yet. Try this:

# Check the current status
git status

# Add the file to staging
git add filename.html

# Check the status again
git status

# Commit your changes
git commit -m "Updated filename.html with new layout"

# View the commit history
git log

These simple steps help you stay in control of your project’s history.

📷 Screenshots & Live Demo Screencast

Git Status In Project Folder
Command Line Git Status To Display Current State In Project Folder

Git Log Project Files
Terminal Showing Git Log Displaying Commit History Of Project Files

Git Status After Updating Project Files
Terminal Showing Git Status After Modifying Project Files

Git Status After Adding Single File
Terminal Showing Git Status After Adding A Single File

Git Log After Committing Changes
Terminal Showing Git Log For Committed Files

Screencast Of Git Status And Git Log Commands

🤝 Need Help With Git?

Whether you're just getting started or need help installing, updating, or migrating Git projects, I'm available for:

  • One-on-one programming tutorials
  • Custom Git installs and migrations
  • Fixing broken Git setups

Contact Me Here

Want more Git tips like this? Leave a comment below or share this post with others learning version control!

🚀 Recommended Resources

Disclosure: Some of the links above are referral links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

About Edward

Edward is a software engineer, author, and designer dedicated to providing the actionable blueprints and real-world tools needed to navigate a shifting economic landscape.

With a provocative focus on the evolution of technology—boldly declaring that “programming is dead”—Edward’s latest work, The Recession Business Blueprint, serves as a strategic guide for modern entrepreneurship. His bibliography also includes Mastering Blender Python API and The Algorithmic Serpent.

Beyond the page, Edward produces open-source tool review videos and provides practical resources for the “build it yourself” movement.

📚 Explore His Books – Visit the Book Shop to grab your copies today.

💼 Need Support? – Learn more about Services and the ways to benefit from his expertise.

🔨 Build it Yourself – Download Free Plans for Backyard Structures, Small Living, and Woodworking.

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