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Writing Good Commit Messages

Last Updated: January 3, 2026

6 min read

The commit message is where you explain why the change exists.

Two commits can touch the same files and look similar in a diff, but a good message turns a random snapshot into a meaningful decision.

In this chapter, we will focus on important of commit messages and how to craft a good message.

Importance of Commit Messages

Commit messages are more than just a formality; they are a vital part of software development. When you or someone else looks back at the project's history, good messages provide context and clarity.

Think of commit messages as a way to communicate with your future self or other developers. They should explain what changes were made and why they were necessary.

Here are some reasons why commit messages matter:

  • Documentation: They document the development process, offering insight into why specific decisions were made.
  • Tracking Changes: They help track the evolution of the codebase, making it easier to locate issues or revert changes if needed.
  • Collaboration: Clear messages foster better collaboration among team members, reducing confusion during code reviews or troubleshooting.

Your commit messages should maintain a professional tone. Here are some tips:

  • Be clear and concise: Avoid jargon and overly complex language.
  • Use active voice: This makes your messages more direct and easier to understand.
  • Be consistent: Try to follow the same style across all your commits. This creates a cohesive history.

Structure of a Good Commit Message

A well-structured commit message typically consists of three parts:

  1. Subject Line: A brief summary of the changes (50 characters or less).
  2. Body: A more detailed explanation of the changes and the reasoning behind them. Wrap lines at around 72 characters for readability.
  3. Footer: Optional but useful for referencing issues or breaking changes.

Here's a breakdown of each part:

The Subject Line

The subject line should be concise yet descriptive. It should answer the question: "What did I change?"

Best Practices for the Subject Line

  • Use the imperative mood: This makes it sound like a command. For example, use "Add feature" instead of "Added feature."
  • Be specific: Avoid vague terms like "fix" or "update." Instead, specify what was fixed or updated.
  • Capitalize the first letter: This makes it look more professional.
  • Avoid punctuation: Leave out periods to keep it clean.

Example:

The Body

The body provides context for the changes. This section should explain:

  • What was changed.
  • Why it was changed.
  • Any side effects, considerations, or caveats that might be relevant.

Best Practices for the Body

  • Use bullet points for lists: If there are multiple changes or considerations, bullet points make them clearer.
  • Explain the reasoning: Help future readers understand why the change was necessary.
  • Include relevant details: If the commit relates to a specific issue, mention it here.

Example:

The Footer

The footer is optional but can be valuable for tracking issues or noting breaking changes. If your commit addresses a bug or feature request, include references using keywords like "Fixes" or "Related to."

Example:

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Writing commit messages can seem straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for:

Vague Messages

Avoid generic messages like "Updated files" or "Fixed bugs." These do not provide any context and can lead to confusion later. Always aim to provide enough detail to help others (and your future self) understand the changes.

Spelling and Grammar Mistakes

While it may seem minor, spelling and grammar errors can detract from the professionalism of your commit history. Always proofread your messages, especially since they serve as a record of your work.

Forgetting to Reference Issues

If your change addresses a specific issue, make sure to reference it in the footer. This provides a direct link between the code change and the problem it solves.

Overexplaining

While detail is important, excessive verbosity can make commit messages harder to read. Aim for clarity and conciseness to keep messages informative yet digestible.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

Understanding the importance of commit messages is one thing, but applying this knowledge in real-world scenarios is where it really matters. Here are some common scenarios developers encounter:

Code Reviews

During a code review, reviewers often rely on commit messages to gauge the intent behind changes. A clear commit message can make it easier for reviewers to understand your thought process, leading to more constructive feedback.

Release Notes

When preparing for a release, commit messages serve as a foundation for generating release notes. By summarizing changes accurately, you can provide users with a clear understanding of updates and fixes.

Change Log Generation

Many projects use tools to automate the generation of changelogs based on commit messages. By adhering to a consistent commit message format, you can ensure that the changelog reflects meaningful updates.

Debugging

When bugs arise, commit messages can help you trace back through the history to identify when a problematic change was introduced. A well-structured message can save hours of debugging time.

Summary

Writing effective commit messages is a skill that can significantly improve collaboration and project management in software development. Commit messages should be structured, clear, and informative, providing valuable context for your future self and your team. By avoiding common pitfalls and following best practices, you can turn your commit history into a useful resource.

Now that you understand the importance and structure of writing effective commit messages, you are ready to explore how to check the status of your repository.

In the next chapter, we will look at how to use git status to understand the state of your working directory and staging area, ensuring you stay on track throughout your development process.