Sometimes, after making a commit in Git, you may realize that the commit message needs to be changed. Whether it’s a typo, missing information, or a need for better clarity, Git provides a way to amend commit messages. This article will guide you through the process of amending commit messages in Git, explaining different scenarios and the commands you need to use.

What is Git amend?

Git amend is a feature in Git that allows you to make changes to the most recent commit in your repository. It’s like going back in time to tweak things right after you’ve made a commit. With `git commit –amend`, you can add new changes to the latest commit without creating a brand new one. This means you can fix that typo you just spotted or add a file you forgot to include in the previous commit.

Why Amend a Commit Message?

• Correct Typos: Fix any spelling or grammar mistakes.
• Add Information: Include missing details that are important for the commit history.
• Improve Clarity: Make the commit message more understandable for future reference.
• Follow Conventions: Ensure the message adheres to your project’s commit message guidelines.

How to Edit Git Commit Messages

Step 1: Identify the commit to be amended.

Use the below command to view the commit history and identify the commit message you want to amend:

git log

Step 2: Amend the Commit Message

 git commit --amend -m "amended commit"

Step 3: Review and Save the Changes

After editing the commit message, Git will update the commit with the amended message. However, it’s crucial to review the changes before finalizing them. You can review the modifications made to the commit message using the following command:

git show HEAD

Step 4: Push the Amended Commit

Pushing amended commits can pose challenges, especially if you’ve already pushed the original commit to a shared repository. It’s generally recommended to avoid amending commits that have been shared with others to prevent potential conflicts.

If the commit hasn’t been pushed yet or if you’re working in a local repository, you can push the amended commit using the following command:

git push --force origin <branch-name>

Output:

Best Practices

While amending commit messages can be useful, it’s essential to follow best practices to maintain a clean project history:

• Be Descriptive: Write clear and descriptive commit messages that explain the purpose of the changes.
• Keep It Concise: Aim for concise commit messages that convey essential information.
• Use Present Tense: Write commit messages in the present tense to indicate what the changes do, not what you did.
• Proofread: Double-check your commit messages for typos and grammatical errors before finalizing them.