Commit-editmsg [ Validated - 2026 ]

COMMIT_EDITMSG is a temporary file used by to store and edit the message for a commit currently in progress . It is located within the hidden directory of a repository. Stack Overflow How the Feature Works When you run a command like git commit (without the flag), Git automatically initiates the following process: File Creation : Git creates or overwrites the .git/COMMIT_EDITMSG Editor Launch

: It invokes your default text editor (e.g., Vim, Nano, VS Code) to open this file. User Input COMMIT-EDITMSG

: You write your commit message in the editor. Git often includes commented-out lines (starting with ) that list the changes being committed to guide you. Finalization COMMIT_EDITMSG is a temporary file used by to

: Upon saving and closing the file, Git strips the comments and uses the remaining text as the permanent message for that commit. Stack Overflow Key Operations & Troubleshooting Never manually create or edit COMMIT_EDITMSG while Git

Tools and Integrations

Many development environments and Git GUIs provide tools for editing commit messages, making the process more user-friendly. Additionally, linters and automated tools can check commit messages for adherence to project standards.

Best Practices & Tips

  • Never manually create or edit COMMIT_EDITMSG while Git is not expecting it – you may confuse an ongoing commit.
  • Use git commit -F <file> if you already have a message in a separate file; this bypasses the editor and reads directly from your file.
  • Set commit.cleanup to control how Git strips whitespace/comments:
    • strip (default): remove comments and leading/trailing whitespace.
    • whitespace: same as strip but leaves comments.
    • verbatim: no changes.
    • scissors: use # ------------------------ >8 ------------------------ to truncate message.
  • Integrate with CI: Lint your commit messages via a commit-msg hook to maintain standards.

Fixing a Typo in the Last Commit

You commit with a typo. Instead of git commit --amend -m "new message", use:

git commit --amend

This opens the COMMIT_EDITMSG for the previous commit. Edit the typo. Save. Close. The --amend flag replaces the old commit with a new one using your edited message.