A conflict means Git could not choose a combined file automatically. The markers show competing versions; they are not valid final content. Read the business requirement, edit the file to the intended result, stage that resolved file and finish the merge. Accepting one side without reading it can discard a required change. The check requires a completed conflict-free merge and the exact resolved record, so merely deleting markers is insufficient. A resolved file is not yet a completed merge. The index records the chosen result after add, and commit closes the operation. Check for remaining conflicts before treating the final route as delivered.