If you have questions about setting up templates or using hooks,
The COMMIT-EDITMSG file is not just static text. Git provides a hook system—scripts that run at specific points in the commit lifecycle. The most important hook for our keyword is the .
This ensures every commit follows a consistent structure, which is vital for large projects. 2. Recovering a Lost Commit Message
: Lines starting with a hash symbol ( # ) are automatically generated by Git. They show your current branch, staged files, and basic instructions. Git filters these comments out entirely before saving the final commit history. Locating the File COMMIT-EDITMSG
Fix login timeout on slow networks
By setting git config commit.template , you can pre-fill COMMIT_EDITMSG with a checklist or a specific format your team follows.
In your default editor, COMMIT-EDITMSG usually has a subtle vertical line at column 50 or 72. This is not a coincidence. If you have questions about setting up templates
If you use the -m flag (e.g., git commit -m "Initial commit" ), Git bypasses this file and writes the message directly to the commit object. 📍 Where is it located?
This file is crucial for maintaining clear project history, facilitating hooks, and allowing for detailed commit messages. What is COMMIT_EDITMSG ?
This is where COMMIT_EDITMSG truly shines. Git provides customizable scripts called that run at specific points in the commit workflow. Two hooks, in particular, have a direct relationship with the COMMIT_EDITMSG file, allowing you to automate and enforce consistency across a project. This ensures every commit follows a consistent structure,
if ! grep -q "^Co-authored-by:" "$COMMIT_MSG_FILE"; then echo "" >> "$COMMIT_MSG_FILE" echo "Co-authored-by: Jane Doe <jane@example.com>" >> "$COMMIT_MSG_FILE" fi
The COMMIT-EDITMSG is the quiet workhorse of Git. It is the bridge between your intent (the code change) and your legacy (the commit history). By ignoring it in favor of one-line shell commands, you are choosing convenience over clarity. You are depriving your future self and your teammates of crucial context.
Run git commit -v . This adds the diff of your changes to COMMIT_EDITMSG , helping you review exactly what you are committing while writing the message.