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.

  • Caveman@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    I like good commit messages that use less words but still give the full picture. If something hacky was done then a comment is better. I like mine with imperative voice since it avoids writing a prose.

    “Fix a bug where when doing x then y happens”

    “Add setting to control x”

    • Prison Mike@links.hackliberty.org
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      2 months ago

      I really don’t like starting with “fix.” You can just describe it without saying “fix” most times.

      • Fix Strings containing whitespace
      • Escape Strings containing whitespace in CSVExporter