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Difference between git add -A and git add

Last Updated : 7 May, 2026

git add is used to move changes from the working directory to the staging area. Different options like -A, -u, and . control how and what changes are staged.

  • Stages changes before committing and controls staging behavior.
  • Determines scope (entire repository vs current directory).
  • Handles tracked and untracked files differently.
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Git add- Command

git add is used to move changes from the working directory to the staging area, preparing selected files and updates for the next commit.

  • Stages changes so they can be included in the next commit.
  • Allows adding specific files, multiple files, or all changes at once.
  • Behavior and scope depend on options used (e.g., ., -A, -u).
  • Helps control exactly what changes are committed.
git add <file name>

Example:

git add readme.md

Git add -A  Command

git add -A stages all changes in the repository, including new, modified, and deleted files, regardless of the current directory.

  • Stages all file types: untracked, modified, and deleted.
  • Works across the entire working tree.
  • Can be run from any directory and still stage everything.
  • Useful for quickly staging all changes.
git add -A
git add --all

Example: Staging Single and Multiple Files

Step 1: Changes are made in multiple files in the working directory.

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Step 2: To stage a specific file:

git add <file_name>

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Step 3: To stage all changes at once:

git add -A

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git add Vs git add -A

Comparison of git add and git add -A based on scope and the types of changes they stage.

git addgit add -A
Git add <filename> add any particular file only.Git add sends all files from the untracked area to the stage area.
Git add is more like to be used in big projects where small changes are used to be made.Git add -a, all the untracked files to the staging area.
"Git add" is comparatively less handy."Git add -a" is more healthy.
Git add doesn't deletion adds stage changes.Git add stages changes including modification or code deletion.
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