What is Commit? What is it for?

What is Commit? What Is It Used For?

The term "commit" is a fundamental practice in software development that involves finalizing a work unit and starting a new one. It plays a key role in tracking changes in the codebase, reverting to previous versions if needed, documenting the history of the codebase, and performing various other functions. Regardless of which version control system you use, you can find all the necessary details below to effectively apply the commit command.

What is Commit?

A commit represents a snapshot of all the actions performed in the codebase at a specific time. It can finalize a work unit or save the changes made in the database by that work unit. Commits are used to simplify reverting to a previous version of the codebase when needed. They act as snapshots or milestones along the timeline of a Git project. The git commit command is used within Git to capture the project's state at that moment.

The concept of commit is used across different version control systems (VCS), including Git, Mercurial, Subversion, Perforce, TFS, and CVS. In all these systems, the commit function works similarly. It stores snapshots and includes a "commit message," which provides a brief description of the changes made. These messages help document the history of the codebase and make it easier to understand why changes were made. Commits can be used in various ways, depending on how they are stored and managed in version control systems.

For example:

• Git: Uses a distributed model, where each developer has a copy of the codebase on their machine. This makes collaboration and offline work easier.
• Subversion: Follows a centralized model, with a single server storing the entire codebase.

Types of Commits

Git sets standards for collaborative software development by enabling developers to create commit messages that convey the purpose and context of code changes. These messages provide informative documentation of changes. The most commonly used Git commit types include:

• feat: A new feature or enhancement added to the codebase.
• fix: A bug fix to resolve an issue.
• docs: Documentation changes or updates.
• style: Code formatting changes, including indentation or spacing.
• refactor: Code restructuring without adding features or fixing bugs.
• test: Adding or modifying test cases.
• chore: Other changes that don’t directly affect the code (e.g., build scripts).

How to Use Commit Types

Effective version control and software development rely on the correct usage of commit types. The key principles include:

• Choosing the Right Commit Type: When making changes, select a commit type that accurately reflects the nature of the changes. This ensures everyone involved in the project can quickly understand the purpose of the changes. Avoid vague or overly broad commit types to reduce confusion.
• Writing Descriptive Commit Messages: Provide a clear explanation of what and why changes were made. This improves the readability of the codebase and serves as a guiding resource for future developers.
• Categorizing Changes: When a change involves multiple purposes, categorize them based on their type to maintain a structured and transparent development process.
• Referencing Issues: Include references to project management tools in your commit messages to establish clear links between code changes and project goals. This enhances traceability and provides context for each change.

Use Cases for Commit Types

Categorizing commits using specific types is an essential practice in a productive development workflow. This approach ensures a well-organized codebase and facilitates smooth collaboration. By assigning meaningful commit types like "feature," "bugfix," "refactor," or "documentation," team members can quickly identify the purpose and context of each change. This categorization helps maintain clarity and transparency throughout the development process.

The importance of categorized commits extends to code reviews, where clear commit messages play a critical role. Reviewers benefit from concise and well-documented commit messages that outline the scope and purpose of each change, enabling constructive feedback and ensuring code quality.

What Does Commit Do?

When a commit is made, a snapshot of all the changes made in the codebase since the last commit is recorded. This snapshot includes all added, modified, or removed files.

Git Commit Command

To commit changes in Git, follow these steps:

1. Stage the changes you want to include in the commit using the git add command.
2. Create a new commit with the git commit command.
3. Write a clear and concise commit message describing the changes.
4. Push the commit to the remote repository with git push.

Mercurial Commit Command

Mercurial uses the hg commit command. After entering a commit message, the changes are saved to the codebase.

Subversion Commit Command

In Subversion, the svn commit command is used. After providing a commit message, the changes are processed.

Perforce Commit Command

Perforce uses the p4 submit command, which allows you to add a commit message before processing the changes.

TFS Commit Command

In TFS, the tf checkin command is used. A commit message is added after running the command, and the changes are saved to the codebase.

Best Practices for Commit

Make Small Commits

Each commit should wrap up related changes. For example, fixing two separate bugs should result in two different commits. This makes it easier to understand changes and roll them back if necessary.

Commit Frequently

Frequent commits help keep changes small and relevant, making them easier to manage and integrate. Large, infrequent commits can make it harder to resolve conflicts.

Don’t Commit Incomplete Work

Only commit when a logical component is complete. Use Git’s “stash” feature for unfinished changes instead of committing them.

Test Before Committing

Ensure that the changes are complete and tested before committing. Unfinished or untested commits can lead to problems when sharing code with others.

Use Branches

Branches allow you to manage separate lines of development. Use branches for new features, bug fixes, and experiments to avoid mixing different development lines.

Agree on a Workflow

Choose a workflow (e.g., GitFlow, long-lived branches, topic branches) that suits your project and team preferences. Ensure that everyone follows the same workflow.

What Are Conventional Commits?

Conventional Commits is a specification that defines standard formats for commit messages. It provides context about whether a commit implements a new feature, refactors existing code, adds tests, or removes code. Conventional Commit messages can also be processed by automated tools to generate release notes and other documentation.

Format of Conventional Commits

<type>[optional scope]: <description>
[optional body]
[optional footer(s)]

FAQs

Why is committing important?

Commits help track changes in the codebase over time, making it easy to revert to previous versions if needed. They enable collaboration among developers by providing a documented history of changes.

What makes a good commit message?

A good commit message starts with a summary of the changes and explains why they were made. It should avoid jargon or overly technical terms that are difficult to understand.

How often should you commit?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The frequency depends on the project's size, complexity, and development workflow. Smaller, frequent commits are generally preferred.

What tools make committing easier?

Frequent commits help track changes, while grouping related changes into a single commit makes the history easier to understand.

Can junior developers apply for jobs?

Yes! Platforms like Techcareer.net provide opportunities for beginners and those looking to specialize. There’s no reason not to try!