How to use the command "fossil add" (with examples)

The “fossil add” command is used to put files or directories under Fossil version control. It allows you to track changes to your project and keep a record of all modifications made over time. This command is essential for managing version control with Fossil and helps you organize your project development process effectively.

Use case 1: Put a file or directory under version control

Code:

fossil add path/to/file_or_directory

Motivation: The “fossil add” command is used to include a specific file or directory into the current checkout. When you add a file or directory, Fossil starts tracking its modifications, allowing you to easily revert changes or switch between different versions.

Explanation: The “add” argument specifies that you want to add a file or directory to Fossil version control. The “path/to/file_or_directory” argument represents the path to the file or directory you want to add. Replace “path/to/file_or_directory” with the actual path of the file or directory on your system.

Example output: If the file or directory is successfully added to version control, you will not receive any output. However, you can verify the status of the added files by using the “fossil status” command.

Use case 2: Remove all added files from the current checkout

Code:

fossil add --reset

Motivation: There may be situations where you want to remove all files that have been previously added to version control and start with a clean slate. This can be useful when you want to exclude certain files or directories from tracking, or if you accidentally added files that should not be part of your version control.

Explanation: The “–reset” option tells Fossil to remove all files that have been previously added from the current checkout. This operation does not delete the files from your disk; it only removes them from Fossil’s version control tracking.

Example output: After executing the command, all files that were previously added to version control will be removed from the current checkout. Running “fossil status” should show an empty list of added files.

Conclusion:

The “fossil add” command is an essential tool for managing version control with Fossil. It allows you to easily include files and directories into version control, enabling you to track changes, revert modifications, and collaborate on projects effectively. Understanding how to use the “fossil add” command will help you leverage Fossil’s version control features to streamline your development process.