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How to Write Meaningful Commit Messages

Writing meaningful commit messages is essential for maintaining a clean and understandable project history. Good commit messages make it easier for you and your collaborators to understand the evolution of a codebase. Here are some best practices to consider when crafting your commit messages:

1. Use the Right Structure

A well-structured commit message typically follows a three-part format:

  • Header: A concise summary of what the commit does (usually 50 characters or less).

  • Body: A more detailed explanation of the change, including the reasons why it was made and how it affects the project. Aim for around 72 characters per line.

  • Footer: Optional section that can include issue tracker IDs, reminders, or other relevant notes.

Example:

Fix bug in user login



The previous login implementation did not handle

timeout exceptions correctly, causing users to be locked out.

This update ensures proper handling of exceptions and 

provides user feedback if issues arise.



Closes #42

2. Use the Imperative Mood

Commit messages should be written in the imperative mood. This style directly instructs what the commit does when applied, e.g., "Fix bug" instead of "Fixed bug" or "Fixes bug."

3. Explain Why, Not Just What

It’s not enough to describe what the change is. Providing context and rationale helps others understand the motivations behind changes. This is particularly useful in collaborative environments.

4. Be Specific and Descriptive

Avoid vague terms like "updated" or "fixed." Instead, describe specifically what was updated or fixed. Instead of "updated the code," say "refactored the login module to improve performance."

5. Break Up Large Changes

If you are making a significant change, consider breaking it into smaller commits. This makes it easier to understand and review individual pieces of the change.

6. Use Tags for Common Practices

Use specific prefixes for your commit messages, such as feat: for new features, fix: for bug fixes, docs: for documentation changes, style: for formatting changes, and so forth. This practice allows for easier navigation and understanding of the commits.

7. Reference Documentation or Issues

If applicable, reference any relevant documentation, issues, or external links to provide context and assist reviewers.

8. Proofread

Before finalizing the commit, take a moment to review your message for clarity and typos. A clear and typo-free commit message reflects professionalism and enhances communication.

Further Reading

For more insights on writing good commit messages and best practices in version control, check out the following resources:

  1. Git's Official Documentation on Commit Messages: Git Commit Message Style Guide

  2. Chris Beams' Guide to Writing Good Commit Messages: How to Write a Git Commit Message

  3. Angular's Commit Message Guidelines: Angular Commit Message Guidelines

  4. Atlassian's Guide on Version Control Commit Messsage Best Practices: How to Write a Good Commit Message

Disclaimer

This response has been written by an AI language model and the provided guidelines are generated based on best practices in software development and version control principles as recognized by the programming community. Always consult with your team for specific practices or conventions that may apply to your project.