How to save your staged changes to the local repository history.
The `git commit` command is how you save a snapshot of your staged changes to the project's history. Each commit is a permanent record in your local repository. Think of it as a save point in a game; you can always return to it later. When you run `git commit`, you must include a commit message. This message is vital as it describes the changes you made. A good commit message explains 'why' a change was made, not just 'what' was changed. This context is invaluable for your future self and for collaborators trying to understand the project's evolution. The most common way to commit is with the `-m` flag, which lets you write a short message directly in the command line: `git commit -m "Your descriptive message"`. Every commit has a unique ID (a SHA-1 hash) that allows you to identify and reference it later. Creating small, logical commits with clear messages is one of the most important habits for effective version control.