Mastering Standard Commits: Quick Guide to Structured Commit Messages
Tags: programming, git, tutorial, beginners
Published: 2023-12-27 18:34:34

Hey fellow devs! 👋 Today, let's dive into the world of "Standard Commits" and why they're the secret sauce to leveling up your version control game. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, writing standardized commit messages can make your collaboration smoother, your history cleaner, and your future self a lot happier. So, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and learn how to craft commits like a pro.

### Why Standard Commits?

Before we jump into the how, let's quickly chat about the why. Standard Commits bring order and clarity to your project's version history. By adopting a common convention, you're giving your team and your future self a roadmap to understand the changes in your codebase. No more deciphering vague commit messages or wondering what that mysterious "fixed stuff" commit actually did.

### The Basics

Alright, let's break down the basics of Standard Commits using the following conventions:

- **fix:** A bug fix. Because, let's face it, bugs happen, but so does fixing them.

- **build:** Changes that impact your build system, whether it's gulp, webpack, or another build tool.

- **per:** Improvements in performance. Who doesn't love a faster app?

- **feat:** The star of the show! A new feature that you've added to your project.

- **chore:** A task that isn't a feature, bug fix, or build change. Think of it as housekeeping for your codebase.

- **docs:** Changes in the documentation of your project. Because good documentation is key!

- **style:** Anything related to the aesthetics of your app. Keep it looking sharp!

- **refactor:** A spring cleaning for your code. Restructuring without changing the external behavior.

- **test:** Changes related to testing. Testing is caring, right?

- **improvement:** Making something better without introducing a new feature.

### How to Write Standard Commits

Now, let's break down how to write these commits in a way that makes sense and is easy to follow. Consider this a mini cheat sheet:

- **Start with the type:** Begin your commit message with one of the defined types (e.g., `fix, feat, chore`).

```js
fix: resolve issue with login button not working
```

- **Be concise and clear:** Keep it short and sweet. Clearly describe what your commit is doing.

```js
feat: add dark mode toggle to settings
```

- **Add more details if needed:** If your commit needs additional context, provide it in the body of the message.

```js
feat: add dark mode toggle to settings

This commit introduces a user-friendly toggle switch in the settings menu, allowing users to switch between light and dark modes seamlessly.
```

### Additional Resources
Ready to explore more? Check out these links for in-depth knowledge:
 
- [Conventional Commit Messages](https://gist.github.com/qoomon/5dfcdf8eec66a051ecd85625518cfd13)
- [Semantic Commit Messages](https://gist.github.com/joshbuchea/6f47e86d2510bce28f8e7f42ae84c716)
- [Conventional Commits](https://www.conventionalcommits.org/en/v1.0.0/)

### Putting It Into Practice

Now that you know the ropes, start incorporating Standard Commits into your workflow. Your future self and your teammates will thank you for the clear, structured history. Remember, communication is key in any relationship, and that includes your relationship with your codebase!

So, there you have it! Standard Commits in a nutshell. Give it a spin in your next project, and let the clean commit messages tell the story of your code. Happy coding, friends! 🚀