# Inside Git: How It Works and the Role of the .git Folder

## How Git Works Internally

Git works internally by storing project snapshots in a hidden .git folder using simple data chunks called objects.

### **Core Layers**

Your files sit in the working directory, changes go to the staging area (index), and commits save full snapshots to the repository. This three-layer setup lets you prepare changes before locking them in. Hashes (SHA-1 codes) name each piece uniquely from its content.

### Key Objects

• **Blob:** Raw file data, no path or name.  
• **Tree:** Maps folders and files to their blobs or sub-trees.  
• **Commit:** Links a tree snapshot, parents, author, date, and message.

![Git - Git Objects](https://git-scm.com/book/en/v2/images/data-model-1.png align="left")

These form chains; identical content reuses the same hash for efficiency.

### git add Step

Git hashes changed files into blobs and updates the index with paths and hashes. Staging prepares a clean snapshot without altering your work files.

### git commit Step

From the index, Git builds trees, creates a commit object, and points your branch (via refs/) to its hash. History grows as a chain or branches, all verified by hashes.

### Simple Model

Picture a chain of photo albums (commits) where each photo (tree) shows folder layouts of pictures (blobs). Edit a picture? New hash ripples up, creating a fresh album. Branches are just labels sliding along the chain.

![How necessary is it to have both add and commit stages in git? - Quora](https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-ef6ba6c5b923f9c3967279f03974f456 align="left")

## Understanding the `.git` Folder

The .git folder is Git’s hidden storage for all project history and data. It keeps your work safe without cluttering files.

### Why It Exists

Git uses .git to track every change, store commits, and manage branches. Delete it, and your project loses all version history.

### Main Parts Inside

• **objects/:** Packed files, folders, and commits as hashed data.  
• **refs/:** Points to branches and tags.  
• **index:** Staging area for git add.  
• **HEAD:** Current branch or commit.  
• **config:** Repo settings.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1768644639520/e4368e10-4375-4dfb-9f92-6063728dddb3.png align="center")