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Working directory

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Also called Working tree

The actual files and folders you see and edit on your computer's file system for a specific Git repository.

What it is

The working directory contains the currently checked-out version of your project's files. It acts as your sandbox. When you edit, add, or delete files in your code editor, you are modifying the working directory. Git monitors this directory to see how it differs from the last saved commit.

When you would use it

You interact with the working directory every single time you type new code or save a file in your project.

Common operations

  • Editing source code files in an IDE.
  • Running a local web server to test current file states.

Related terms

Where this is taught

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