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RailsConf 2019 - Commit Messages to the rescue! by Christopher "Aji" Slater
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What if I told you there is more to a commit message than "-m"? Like source code time capsules, those pesky formalities can deliver wisdom and perspective about any code from the best possible source, the developer who just wrote it! Explore new facets of these time traveling rubber duck opportunities to increase their usefulness tenfold. Tools like templates, linters, hooks, and automation. Hear what Dr. Seuss can teach us about git, and don't miss the most helpful morsel of git customization around... how to open a new message in an editor other than vim!

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The video titled 'Commit Messages to the Rescue!' features Christopher 'Aji' Slater, who presents at RailsConf 2019, discussing the importance of effective commit messages in software development.

The talk emphasizes that commit messages are more than just formalities; they serve as a crucial means of communication about the changes made in a codebase. Aji highlights how well-crafted commit messages can act as 'time capsules' that provide insight and context for past code changes, which is invaluable for maintaining and debugging software. The following key points are discussed:

- **Overview of Commit Messages**: Aji stresses the significance of commit messages, suggesting that they often get overlooked, leading to vague and uninformative messages like 'Fixed a bug'. He explains how these messages can save developers from confusion later.

- **Common Practices and Pitfalls**: Many developers simplify commit messages to just the '-m' argument in git, neglecting the body of the message. Aji encourages using a structured approach where messages include not just the 'what' but also the 'why' of each commit.

- **Structuring Messages**: He provides guidelines for writing effective commit messages, including keeping subjects concise, using the correct tense, and ensuring the body provides context. Aji illustrates his points with examples of both good and poor commit messages, demonstrating how context can greatly enhance the understanding of code changes.

- **Inspirational Examples**: Referring to Dr. Seuss, Aji draws an analogy between story context and commit messages, explaining how both can convey deeper meanings when supplemented with proper context. He suggests thinking of commit messages as artifacts for future developers, akin to archaeological discoveries.

- **Utilizing Tools and Automation**: He discusses tools like commit templates, linters, and hooks that can automate and enforce good practices within a team. This helps ensure everyone adheres to the same standards, thereby improving code quality and project documentation.

- **Adopting Empathy**: The concluding message revolves around empathy—encouraging developers to think about the future maintainers of their code and to strive for clarity and usefulness in their commit messages.

Overall, Aji's talk is an informative session filled with insights on how to elevate the quality of commit messages to enhance team communication and software maintainability, encouraging attendees to be 'commit message archaeologists' that leave useful insights for future developers.

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