Git Commit

Git Commit

Break changes into logical, atomic commits using interactive staging.

Workflow

1. Analyze all changes
2. Identify logical units (one concern per commit)
3. Stage relevant changes (whole files or hunks)
4. Commit with a good message
5. Repeat until all changes are committed

Analyzing Changes

git status                 # overview of changed files
git diff                   # unstaged changes
git diff --cached          # staged changes
git diff HEAD              # all changes (staged + unstaged)

Look for natural boundaries: different features, bug fixes, refactors, or config changes.

Identifying Logical Commits

Each commit should represent one logical change. Signs that changes belong in separate commits:

• Different purposes (bug fix vs feature vs refactor)
• Unrelated files or components
• Changes that could be reverted independently
• Separate items from a PR review or task list

Common groupings:

• Related files implementing a single feature
• A bug fix with its test
• Rename/move operations separate from behavior changes
• Config or dependency changes separate from code

Staging Strategies

Whole files

git add <file>             # stage entire file
git add <dir>/             # stage all files in directory
git reset HEAD <file>      # unstage file

Partial files (hunk staging)

Use git add -p to stage specific hunks within a file:

git add -p                 # interactively stage hunks from all files
git add -p <file>          # interactively stage hunks from specific file

Hunk commands:

• y - stage this hunk
• n - skip this hunk
• s - split into smaller hunks (if hunk contains multiple changes)
• q - quit, keeping already-staged hunks
• ? - show help

Verify staged changes

git diff --cached          # review exactly what will be committed

Commit Messages

Use the commit-message skill for formatting. Key points:

• Conventional Commits format: type(scope): description
• Imperative mood ("Add feature" not "Added feature")
• Explain why in the body, not what (the diff shows what)

Repeat

After each commit:

git status                 # check remaining changes
git log --oneline -3       # verify commit was created

Continue staging and committing until all changes are organized into logical commits.