Changelists: Modifications in a checked file are automatically staged for commit

Problem

A file is modified and the user checks the checkbox next to the file in Commit tool window - making it ready to be committed. Then user makes additional modifications to the same file, but does not want to check them in as of yet. Unfortunately, the changelists work in a way that all new changes are automatically ready to be committed if the checkbox next to the file in Commit tool window is already checked.

Cause

This is the default behavior of changelists in JetBrains IDEs.

Resolution

• Pick specific modifications in a file and select in which changelist to put them: https://www.jetbrains.com/help/idea/commit-and-push-changes.html#partial_commit. It is possible to separate modifications in one file into several different changelists.
• Use staging area instead of changelists: https://www.jetbrains.com/help/idea/commit-and-push-changes.html#use-git-staging-area-to-commit-changes.