Introduction

In the world of software development, the commit message may seem like a trivial detail in the grand scheme of things. However, it plays a pivotal role in maintaining a well-organized and comprehensible version history of your codebase. A well-structured commit message not only helps you keep track of your project's progress but also aids your collaborators in understanding the purpose and context of each change. In this article, we'll explore the art of writing meaningful commit messages and the best practices to follow.

1. Start with a Brief Summary

The first line of your commit message serves as a summary, and it should be concise, usually under 72 characters. Use the imperative mood to clearly state the purpose of the commit. For instance, instead of saying "Added feature" or "Adding feature," opt for "Add feature." This approach conveys action and intention effectively.

✅ Good: "Refactor authentication middleware"

❌ Bad: "Refactored the authentication middleware code because it was messy"

2. Provide Additional Details in the Body

If the changes in your commit require more explanation, make use of the message body. Here, you can delve into the 'why' and 'how' of the commit. It's important to wrap lines at 72 characters or less for readability. Explain why the change is necessary, not just what the change entails.

✅ Good:

Refactor authentication middleware

This commit refactors the authentication middleware to improve code readability and maintainability. It also fixes a potential security issue related to user sessions.

❌ Bad:

Refactor authentication middleware

Improved the authentication middleware code. Fixed some issues.

3. Use Clear and Consistent Language

Clarity is key. Use straightforward and concise language in your commit messages. Additionally, maintain consistency in your terminology and writing style across all your commit messages.

4. Reference Issues and Pull Requests

If your commit is associated with a specific issue or pull request, it's a good practice to include a reference to it in the message. This cross-referencing helps track changes and provides context.

✅ Good: "Fix #123: User profile image display issue"

5. Separate Concerns

Avoid bundling unrelated changes in a single commit. If a commit addresses multiple concerns or changes different aspects of the codebase, consider splitting it into multiple commits. This keeps your version history focused and comprehensible.

✅ Good: "Add user profile page"

✅ Good: "Fix issue with image upload on user profile page"

❌ Bad: "Add user profile page and fix image upload issue"

6. Be Mindful of Commit Size

Commit size matters. Strive for small, focused commits that address a single logical change. Large, monolithic commits can make it challenging to track the history of individual changes and can lead to conflicts when collaborating with others.

7. Edit and Rebase Before Pushing

Before pushing your commits to a shared repository, take a moment to review and, if necessary, edit your commit messages. You can use interactive rebasing to squash or reword commits before they become a part of the main branch.

git rebase -i HEAD~n  # n is the number of commits to edit

8. Use Keywords for Common Actions

Consider using keywords like "Fix," "Add," "Update," or "Remove" at the beginning of your commit message to quickly convey the type of change. This helps maintain consistency and clarity in your commit messages.

✅ Good: "Fix typo in login form validation"

Conclusion
Commit messages are your project's historical record. They tell the story of your codebase's evolution. By following these commit message best practices, you'll create a version history that is not only informative but also conducive to efficient collaboration and debugging. Remember that learning to write meaningful commit messages is an essential skill in your journey as a developer.