Commit

Definition

A Commit is a record of changes made to the codebase in a version control system. It captures the state of files at a specific point in time, allowing developers to track and manage the history of a project.

Context in Software Development

Commits are fundamental to version control systems like Git. Each commit includes:

• A Unique Identifier (Hash): Allows precise referencing of that commit.
• Author Information: Who made the changes.
• Timestamp: When the changes were made.
• Commit Message: A description of what was changed and why.

Commits enable developers to:

• Revert to Previous States: If a new change introduces issues, it's possible to go back to a stable version.
• Understand Project Evolution: By reviewing commit histories, teams can see how the codebase has evolved over time.
• Collaborate Without Conflict: Multiple developers can work on different parts of the code simultaneously.

Best Practices

• Make Atomic Commits: Each commit should represent a single logical change or fix.
• Write Clear Commit Messages: Provide context and reasoning to aid future understanding.
  • Example: "Fix login bug causing crash when username is empty."
• Commit Frequently: Regular commits help in tracking progress and make it easier to identify where issues may have been introduced.
• Review Before Committing: Ensure that the code is tested and free of unnecessary changes or debug statements.

Related Terms

• Version Control
• Repository
• Branch
• Pull Request

Learn More

Dive deeper into best practices with our article on writing effective commit messages.