If you close the COMMIT_EDITMSG file without adding any text (or if you delete the existing text), Git will abort the commit, assuming you changed your mind [5.5].

If you realized you made a typo or want to improve a message after it was written, you can trigger the COMMIT-EDITMSG flow again using these commands: Amend the last commit git commit --amend to reopen the editor for the most recent commit. Edit multiple/older commits git rebase -i HEAD~n is the number of commits back) and change for the specific commits you want to edit. GitHub Docs ⚠️ Common Issues Editor won't close

Once you save and close the file, Git reads the content, strips out the comments, and uses the remaining text as the permanent message for that commit. The Role of COMMIT_EDITMSG in Best Practices

Writing great commit messages consistently can be a challenge. Fortunately, you can leverage both custom templates and emerging AI tools to streamline the process.

It’s important to note that this location is relative to the repository’s work tree, and Git uses the command git rev-parse --git-dir to always find the correct directory, especially when working with advanced features like worktrees. The path to this file is passed as the sole parameter to certain Git hooks, such as the commit-msg hook, allowing those scripts to read and modify the message before the commit is finalized.

To write a professional commit message in this file, many developers follow the :

: Write your summary line as a direct command (e.g., "Add authentication module" instead of "Added authentication module" or "Adds authentication module" ). This aligns with Git's own internal messaging system (e.g., "Merge branch..." ).

...and save, Git extracts the three lines above the comments and creates the commit.

A commit message template is a file that Git will copy into COMMIT_EDITMSG before launching your editor. It’s perfect for providing a structured outline that reminds you (or your team) of the required format. You can set a global template for all your projects or a local one for a specific repository.

| Issue | Found | Recommended | |-------|-------|--------------| | | >50 chars (e.g., 72 chars) | Max 50 characters | | Blank line after subject | Missing | Always include one | | Body line wrap | >72 chars | Wrap at 72 characters | | Trailing whitespace | Present | None allowed | | Imperative mood | “Fixed bug” (past tense) | “Fix bug” (imperative) |

It was a strange, liminal space—a temporary sanctuary within the .git folder. To the outside world, this file didn't exist for more than a few minutes, but for Elias, it was the place where code became history.

mentions that this hook is vital when the default message is auto-generated. 3. Recovering Lost Messages

In version control systems like Git, commit messages are crucial for tracking changes in a repository. They provide a human-readable description of changes made in a commit, helping developers understand the history of the project and revert to previous states if necessary.

Now, every time you commit, COMMIT_EDITMSG will open with this skeleton pre-filled, ensuring your team never forgets to add a "type" or reference a ticket number.

Fix session invalidation after password change

Example commit message: