Basics

Git Comments

Adding Commit Messages

Git commit messages use -m for clear change descriptions.

Understanding Git Commit Messages

Git commit messages are an essential part of version control, providing a clear and concise description of changes made to the codebase. Good commit messages help collaborators understand the context of changes without diving into the code itself.

Creating a Git Commit Message with -m

To create a Git commit message, you can use the -m option followed by a message in quotes. This inline method is efficient for quick commits.

Best Practices for Writing Commit Messages

Here are some best practices for writing effective commit messages:

  • Be concise: Keep messages short but descriptive.
  • Use the imperative mood: Start messages with a verb, e.g., 'Add', 'Fix', 'Refactor'.
  • Explain why: When necessary, include the reason behind a change.
  • Separate subject from body: If more detail is needed, separate the summary and description with a blank line.

Multi-line Commit Messages

For more detailed commit messages, omit the -m flag and use your default text editor to write a subject and body. This method is useful for complex changes that require thorough explanations.

Examples of Good Commit Messages

Let's take a look at some examples of well-written commit messages:

  • git commit -m "Fix bug in user login process" - Clearly states the action and the area affected.
  • git commit -m "Add unit tests for payment module" - Describes the addition of tests.
  • git commit followed by a detailed message:
    Refactor database schema

    Improve indexing and normalize table structures for better performance.

Previous
Fetch