In a recent mailing list update, Linus Torvalds expressed frustration over passive voice in commit messages, urging developers to adopt a more active and clear communication style.

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.

  • lysdexic@programming.devEnglish
    1·
    1 month ago

    good: Add foo interface.

    Another commit style is summarizing what a commit does. In this case it would be someting like:

    Adds foo interface.

    I think this style is more in line with auditing code.