How to Use Git Add and Commit Effectively?

Remember that `git add` simply stages your files for the next commit. It’s not necessary to commit right after adding a new file, especially if you're working on multiple files at once. Instead of separate commits for each file during a new project setup, you should generally just add all the relevant files and then create a single commit to kick things off.

You definitely don’t need to commit every file you create. That would result in a cluttered commit history. A better method is to add files incrementally (`git add filename`) but save committing for when you’ve completed a specific chunk of work. This keeps your commits meaningful, like 'added user authentication' or 'fixed login bug.' You can stage everything at once before committing or add files during your work—just go with what feels right for you.

It's all about practicality! While there are no hard rules, a good rule of thumb is to group logically related changes together, not just by file. You could commit related files together as a feature or fix. For instance, if you're working on a user authentication system, it might involve several files, so breaking that into progressive commits makes it easier to track your progress.

Typically, it's best to commit when you've reached a logical point in your work rather than just after creating a file. Think of it this way: you don't want to fill your commit history with too many small changes. Instead, try to commit when you've completed a feature or resolved a specific issue. For example, if you've set up user authentication or fixed a bug, those are good moments to create a commit that represents your progress.