How to Write a Git Commit Message
The classic article setting out seven rules for commit messages: a short, capitalised, imperative subject line, a blank line, and a wrapped body that explains what changed and why rather than how. Short enough to read in one sitting, and following it makes your pull requests noticeably easier for reviewers and maintainers to understand.
Guide
Other
Chris Beams
15 minutes
Beginner
Free
The classic article setting out seven rules for commit messages: a short, capitalised, imperative subject line, a blank line, and a wrapped body that explains what changed and why rather than how. Short enough to read in one sitting, and following it makes your pull requests noticeably easier for reviewers and maintainers to understand.
Ready to start?
Opens on Chris Beams in a new tab.
Stuck on something specific?
Writing only gets you so far. If you want an answer to your situation rather than the general case, book a session and we will work through it together. Sessions are free for approved Sefism members, and a few slots open each week.
Follow along
New writing, resources and project ideas land here first.