In the context of Git, what does the term 'tracked' imply?

The term 'tracked' in Git refers to files that Git is actively monitoring for changes. When a file is tracked, Git records its changes over time and allows you to review history, stage modifications, and commit those changes. This means that any alterations made to these files can be managed within the version control system.

Tracked files are distinguished from untracked files, which are those that Git does not monitor. These untracked files can be newly created files or existing files that are not added to the staging area. Therefore, when you add a file to your repository and run the appropriate commands to track it, Git begins keeping history on that file.

Understanding the concept of tracked files is crucial for effective version control, as it allows developers to manage changes systematically, ensuring that all relevant modifications can be committed, reverted, or compared against previous versions.