Use 'git status' to see the state of your working directory and staging area.
The `git status` command is your primary tool for understanding the current state of your repository. It is one of the most frequently used commands, and for good reason. It provides a wealth of information about your working directory and staging area. Running `git status` will tell you which branch you are currently on. It shows you which files have been modified but not yet staged ('Changes not staged for commit'). It also lists the files that have been staged but not yet committed ('Changes to be committed'). Additionally, it will identify any new files in your directory that Git doesn't know about yet ('Untracked files'). This command is essential for keeping track of your work. Before you add or commit, you should always run `git status` to ensure you are only including the changes you intend to. It provides a safe overview, preventing you from accidentally committing unfinished work or temporary files.