Introduction to Conventional Commits

Conventional Commits is a standardized specification for writing clear and consistent commit messages in version control systems like Git. Its core purpose is to structure commit messages in a way that facilitates understanding changes in a codebase, makes automation of versioning easier, and aids in the generation of changelogs. The design revolves around a strict format that enforces a 'type', an optional 'scope', and a 'description', followed by optional 'body' and 'footer' sections. Types like 'feat' (for new features) and 'fix' (for bug fixes) are essential to the structure. The specification is beneficial for maintaining consistent histories in collaborative projects and for automating release processes.

Main Functions of Conventional Commits

  • Type-based Commit Classification

    Example Example

    Using 'feat' for new features and 'fix' for bug fixes ensures clarity.

    Example Scenario

    In a project with multiple contributors, having commit messages like 'feat: add user login functionality' or 'fix: resolve authentication bug' makes it easy for team members to identify what each commit accomplishes without diving into the code.

  • Optional Scope for Context

    Example Example

    Adding a scope such as 'fix(auth): resolve token expiration issue' provides more context about which part of the code is affected.

    Example Scenario

    In a large codebase, knowing which module (e.g., auth, API, UI) is impacted by the change helps developers quickly understand its relevance to their work.

  • Support for Breaking Changes

    Example Example

    Breaking changes can be highlighted with 'BREAKING CHANGE' in the footer or by using the '!' symbol, e.g., 'feat(auth)!: remove deprecated OAuth support'.

    Example Scenario

    In automated versioning systems, commits with breaking changes can trigger a major version bump. For example, developers working on a library could use 'BREAKING CHANGE: removed support for legacy authentication' to signal that the latest version introduces changes that require users to modify their code.

Ideal Users of Conventional Commits

  • Teams Using Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD)

    Teams that rely on automated versioning and changelog generation benefit significantly from Conventional Commits. The clear commit structure allows tools to automatically determine version bumps (e.g., patch, minor, or major) based on the types of commits ('fix', 'feat', 'BREAKING CHANGE'), making the deployment process seamless.

  • Open Source Project Maintainers

    Open source maintainers dealing with numerous contributions from different developers can use Conventional Commits to enforce a standardized commit message structure. This enhances clarity, helps track changes across many contributors, and simplifies release management.

How to Use Conventional Commits

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  • Understand the commit structure.

    Commits must be prefixed with a type (e.g., feat, fix), and may include an optional scope and breaking change indicator (!), followed by a short description.

  • Choose the right type and scope.

    Types like 'feat' and 'fix' are essential. Scopes can describe specific parts of the code, like feat(parser), providing additional context.

  • Write a concise commit message.

    After the type and scope, include a brief description summarizing the changes. Example: 'fix: resolve array parsing issue'.

  • Include body and footers if needed.

    If further detail is required, add a body and footers such as BREAKING CHANGE, referencing critical changes.

  • Software Development
  • Collaboration
  • Version Control
  • Continuous Integration
  • Codebase Management

Q&A on Conventional Commits

  • What is the purpose of Conventional Commits?

    Conventional Commits provide a structured, consistent format for commit messages, aiding in automation and project clarity.

  • What does the 'feat' type represent?

    The 'feat' type is used when a commit adds a new feature to the application or codebase.

  • When should I use a breaking change indicator?

    Use '!' in the prefix or add a BREAKING CHANGE footer when the commit introduces changes that break backward compatibility.

  • Are Conventional Commits case-sensitive?

    No, except for BREAKING CHANGE which must be in uppercase. Otherwise, types like feat, fix, etc., are case-insensitive.

  • Can I include multiple footers in a commit message?

    Yes, you can include multiple footers such as Acked-by, BREAKING CHANGE, etc., with each footer separated by a blank line.