lesson_2_reflections.txt

What happens when you initialize a repository? Why do you need to do it?

When you initialize a repo there will be a hidden file created called .git, which contains all metadata on your git commits.

How is the staging area different from the working directory and the repository? What value do you think it offers?

The staging area is like storing information in a temporary file (cache). After you have put several files up there, you can commit them one by one with a meaningful description.

How can you use the staging area to make sure you have one commit per logical change?

By choosing logical commits and descriptions.

What are some situations when branches would be helpful in keeping your history organized? How would branches help?

When you like to try out different ways of solving problems. Experimenting. Or try out another language.

How do the diagrams help you visualize the branch structure?

The diagrams visualize the way commits are reached. You see commits as parents and children. You can see the historical order, the masterbranch and others.

What is the result of merging two branches together? Why do we represent it in the diagram the way we do?

When you merge two branches all the commits of the former two branches  will be reachable by the merged branch.