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Linus Torvalds expressed frustration over the use of passive voice in merge commit messages, preferring active and imperative language instead.

He provided an example of how commit messages should be rewritten for clarity and consistency across the project.

Torvalds noted that while it's not a major issue, it does add extra work when he has to rewrite messages to match his preference.

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[-] Badland9085@lemm.ee 14 points 1 month ago

Love a good commit message. I wish I could say what we perceive as “good” is instead thought to be “normal”, but we aren’t there yet I guess.

If the word “imperative mood” is hard to grasp, this is what I do. I just finish this sentence in less than 50 - 75 words, length depending on consensus.

This commit will …

Add more details in the body if needed.

This sort of style extends to PRs/MRs as well.

This PR/MR will …

[-] AnarchistArtificer@slrpnk.net 4 points 1 month ago

That's actually helpful, thanks

this post was submitted on 08 Oct 2024
197 points (91.9% liked)

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