How to write optimal Git commit messages, from Atom contributing guideline.

Since I found them, I’ve been quite happy using the following advice found in Atom Guidelines:

• Use the present tense (“Add feature” not “Added feature”)
• Use the imperative mood (“Move cursor to…” not “Moves cursor to…”)
• Limit the first line to 72 characters or less
• Reference issues and pull requests liberally

They also use Github emojis to have a clear visual of what’s in the commit, which might be excessive for some people, myself included.

Contributing to Atom

Originally published at www.blaipratdesaba.com on February 12, 2015.