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Each time I need to write a commit message for a git/svn repository, I wonder what the subject of the sentence should be, whether it should be:

  1. the author of the commit (for example, "I added the drag'n'drop feature");
  2. the commit itself ("It adds drag'n'drop feature");
  3. no subject and verb in the infinitive form ("Add drag'n'drop feature").

Is there a convention for this among developers?

Let me know if I should migrate this question to StackOverflow.

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8  
Asking for conventions among developers is indeed better suited for Programmers (not SO). Though of course we all know what the answer will be: conventions vary from place to place, so go ask your fellow developers/boss/advisor/professor. As far as the English language is concerned, the commit message may as well read "Susan I love you so much I just added this drag'n'drop feature and I swear I would do it again". – RegDwighт♦ Jul 7 '12 at 21:04
@RegDwightΒВB: ok, I will migrate it to Programmers then. – Alessandro Jul 7 '12 at 23:51
1  
Voted to reopen as it's similar to this and guidance is also useful to write clear English in this case, as thousands of these messages are written every day. – Hugo Jul 8 '12 at 8:32
@Hugo: thanks for the vote to reopen and the reference to that other question. It is indeed very similar and it partially answers my question too. – Alessandro Jul 9 '12 at 14:22

closed as off topic by MετάEd, Daniel δ, Mahnax, cornbread ninja 麵包忍者, chaos Jul 7 '12 at 23:54

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1 Answer

up vote 2 down vote

I usually go with option 3. Also I see option 3 used most often by other developers. Maybe just because it's quicker to type. Option 1 could come off as egotistical.

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