What does a Git commit signify?

A Git commit signifies a specific change made to the files in a repository. When a commit is created, it captures a snapshot of the current state of the files, detailing what modifications have been made since the last commit. This action not only logs the changes to the files but also involves adding a message that describes the change, providing context for future reference.

This foundational aspect of Git allows developers to track the history of changes in the codebase, making it easier to understand the evolution of a project. Each commit is assigned a unique identifier (hash), which makes it simple to refer back to that point in the project's history.

While factors like branch creation points, merging operations, and archival capabilities are part of Git's broader functionality, the essence of a commit is directly tied to the modifications made in the files.