Unstage

Learn to unstage a file that was added.

Unstage a staged file

After adding a file with git add, you may want to undo that operation. The git restore --staged file.txt command removes the file from the staging area while preserving its working tree changes. You can then edit the file again or stage it later.

git add report.txt
git restore --staged report.txt
git status

This operation does not delete the file content; it only changes its staging state.

Unstage and reset

Another way to unstage changes is the git reset HEAD file.txt command. This usage reverses the file's staging entry while preserving its working tree edits. The modern and explicit alternative is git restore --staged.

git add notes.txt
git reset HEAD notes.txt
git status

The goal here is not to delete the latest commit, but only to change the file's staging state.

Exercise Undo staging

The content.html file was previously added to the staging area with git add. Unstage the file, preserve its working tree changes, and then check the status.

Show example solution

git restore --staged icerik.html
git status

Test yourself

How do you preserve changes while unstaging a file?
- git restore --staged file.txt
- git restore file.txt
- git rm file.txt
- git checkout -- file.txt
Show answer

git restore --staged file.txt — The <code>--staged</code> option unstages the file while preserving its working tree changes.
Unstage a file
```
git restore ____ 
```
Show answer
```
git restore --staged 
```
Unstage concepts

Staging area

Area before a commit
--staged

Unstaging option
git reset HEAD

Older unstaging method
Working tree

Area where edits are kept

Next lesson: Summary - Undoing changes

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