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The three basic stitch formations

In weft knitting, the way a needle handles the yarn determines the type of stitch that is created.

Knit
The needle forms a new loop and pulls it through the existing loop. The old loop is released.

Purl
The new loop is formed in the opposite direction, producing a stitch that is structurally different from a knit stitch.

Tuck
The needle receives and holds a new yarn without immediately pulling it through the existing loop. The new yarn is held together with the previous loop and is incorporated into a later stitch.

These three basic formations can be combined and repeated to create a huge variety of knitted structures.