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Code & Deliverynoun · /kəˈmɪt ˈmɛsɪdʒ/

commit message

In simple English

In version control systems like Git, every time you commit code, you must write a commit message explaining your changes. This message typically appears in the repository history and serves as documentation for future developers. Good commit messages are concise, descriptive, and explain both what changed and why. For example, instead of writing 'fixed stuff,' a better commit message would be 'Fix authentication timeout issue in login form.' Commit messages are crucial for code reviews, debugging, and onboarding new team members. They become part of the permanent record of your project and help teams maintain code quality and understand the reasoning behind decisions.

What should I write in my commit message and why does it matter?

At a glanceCEFR B2
Commonness5/5
Versatility4/5
FormalityCasualFormalNeutral
Spoken ↔ WrittenSpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ DiplomaticDirectDiplomaticDirect
RegionUS and UK
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Say it like this

✓Write a clear commit message
✓Your commit message needs to be more descriptive
✓I always include the ticket number in my commit message

Real examples

in a code review

"The commit message says 'Fix bug' but we need more details about which bug and how you fixed it."

in a standup

"I pushed three commits yesterday with commit messages explaining each database optimization."

in a team meeting

"We should establish a standard format for commit messages so the git history is easier to read."

Don't say this

Handle with care. Often used as a verb incorrectly (you do not commit message something). The verb phrase is commit code or make a commit. A commit message is only the text description accompanying a commit.

✕We need to commit message this change before lunch.
✓We need to commit this change before lunch.— Commit message is a noun, not a verb. You commit code, you do not commit message it.
✕Fix stuff
✓Fix null pointer exception in user profile loader— Commit messages should be specific and descriptive, not vague. Future developers need to understand what actually changed.
✕My commit message was too long so I skipped writing one.
✓I wrote a concise commit message that explains the main change.— Every commit should have a meaningful message. A short message is fine; skipping it makes history unclear.

Other forms

noun

commit message

"Please write a descriptive commit message for this pull request."

noun phrase

commit message history

"The commit message history shows this feature was added three months ago."

Often used with

write a commit messageThe most common action; you write or compose a commit message.
clear commit messageA commit message should be clear and easy to understand.
descriptive commit messageGood commit messages are descriptive and provide context.
commit message templateTeams often use a template to standardize commit message format.
commit message formatDifferent projects may have different commit message formats or conventions.

Similar words

commit descriptionLess common; refers to the same thing but emphasizes the explanatory aspect.
change log entryBroader term; a commit message is one type of change log entry.

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Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Complete the sentence

1. You need to _______ before pushing your code to the repository.

Spot the mistake

2. Which sentence uses 'commit message' incorrectly?

Pick the most natural phrasing

3. Your team is discussing best practices. How would you say this naturally?

Rewrite naturally

4. Rewrite this using 'commit message': 'The text that explains what you changed in your code is very important for other people to understand.'

Questions

Quick poll

Have you said "commit message" in a standup this week?

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