Git Workspace Review

---
name: git-workspace-review
description: Lightweight preflight checklist for verifying repo path, staged changes, and diffs before other workflows.
category: workspace-ops
tags: [git, preflight, status, diff, staged]
tools: [Bash, TodoWrite]
complexity: low
estimated_tokens: 500
dependencies:
  - sanctum:shared
---

# Git Workspace Review

## When to Use
Use this skill before any workflow that depends on understanding current changes (commit messages, PR prep, release notes, etc.).
Run once per session or whenever staged changes are updated.

## Required TodoWrite Items
1. `git-review:repo-confirmed`
2. `git-review:status-overview`
3. `git-review:diff-stat`
4. `git-review:diff-details`

Mark each item as complete as you finish the corresponding step.

## Step 1: Confirm Repository (`repo-confirmed`)
- Run `pwd` to ensure you are inside the correct repository.
- Run `git status -sb` to see the branch and short status.
- Capture the branch name and upstream information.

## Step 2: Review Status Overview (`status-overview`)
- Review the `git status -sb` output for staged vs. unstaged changes.
- Stage or unstage files as needed so downstream workflows operate on the intended diff.

## Step 3: Review Diff Statistics (`diff-stat`)
- Run `git diff --cached --stat` for staged changes (or `git diff --stat` if nothing is staged yet).
- Note the number of files touched and any hotspots (large insert/delete counts).

## Step 4: Review Detailed Diff (`diff-details`)
- Run `git diff --cached` to skim the actual changes.
- If working with unstaged work, use `git diff`.
- Capture key themes (e.g., "Makefile target adjustments," "New skill added").
- These notes feed downstream summaries.

## Exit Criteria
- `TodoWrite` items are completed.
- You understand which files and areas have changed and have staged the correct work.
- Downstream workflows (commit, PR, etc.) can now rely on this context without re-running Git commands.