In version control systems, what is the staging area used for?

The staging area in version control systems, such as Git, serves as an intermediate space where changes to files can be gathered and prepared before they are officially committed to the repository. This allows developers to review and organize modifications, ensuring that only the desired changes are included in the next commit. By utilizing the staging area, users can selectively choose which changes to commit, allowing for more controlled and meaningful commits, which is essential for maintaining a clear project history.

For instance, if a developer makes several changes across multiple files but only wants to commit a subset of those changes, they can stage just the relevant files or specific changes within files. This level of granularity fosters better collaboration among team members and enhances project management practices. Conversely, the other options, such as viewing commit history, setting up user permissions, or deleting unwanted files, do not accurately describe the function of the staging area in this context.