# Writing Commit Messages

Writes Git commit messages.

- Repository: https://github.com/herdrdev/herdr (47304 stars)
- Category: Git and review
- License: Apache-2.0
- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add herdrdev/herdr --skill writing-commit-messages -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add herdrdev/herdr --skill writing-commit-messages -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add herdrdev/herdr --skill writing-commit-messages -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add herdrdev/herdr --skill writing-commit-messages -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Writes Git commit messages. Activates when the user asks to write a commit message, draft a commit message, or similar.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Writing Commit Messages

Write commit messages that follow commit style guidelines for the project.

## Format

```
<subsystem>: <summary>

<reference issues/PRs/etc.>

<long form description>
```

## Rules

### Subject line

- **Subsystem prefix**: Use a short, lowercase identifier for the
  area of code changed (e.g., `terminal`, `vt`, `lib`, `config`,
  `font`). Determine this from the file paths in the diff. If
  changes span the macOS app, use `macos`. For GTK, use `gtk`. For
  build system, use `build`. Use nested subsystems with `/` when
  helpful and exclusive (e.g., `terminal/osc`).
- **Summary**: Lowercase start (not capitalized), imperative mood,
  no trailing period. Keep it concise, ideally under 60 characters
  total for the whole subject line.

### References

- If the change relates to a GitHub issue, PR, or discussion, list
  the relevant numbers on their own lines after the subject, separated
  by a blank line. E.g. `#1234`
- If there are no references, omit this section entirely (no blank
  line).

### Long form description

- Describe **what changed**, **what the previous behavior was**,
  and **how the new behavior works** at a high level.
- Use plain prose, not bullet points. Wrap lines at ~72 characters.
- Focus on the _why_ and _how_ rather than restating the diff.
- Keep the tone direct and technical without filler phrases.
- Don't exceed a handful of paragraphs; less is more.

## Workflow

- If `.jj` is present, use `jj` instead of `git` for all commands.
- Run a diff to see what changes are present since the last commit.
- Identify the subsystem from the changed file paths.
- Identify any referenced issues/PRs from the diff context or
  branch name.
- Draft the commit message following the format above.
- Apply the commit
- Don't push the commit; leave that to the user.