# Creating good commit messages

1. Use the following format:

```
<type>: <subject>

<body>
```
The valid <type> values are: fix, feat, chore, docs
Type and subject are required
Body is optional

2. If there is a body, separate it from the subject with a blank line
3. Limit the subject line to 50 characters. This is not a hard limit but a rule of thumb. The subject line should explain the "what" of the logical change
4. Capitalize the subject line
5. Do not end the subject line with a period
6. Use the imperative mood in the subject line
   Imperative mood just means “spoken or written as if giving a command or instruction”. A few examples:

   * Clean your room
   * Close the door
   * Take out the trash
7. Wrap the body at 72 characters
8. Use the body to explain what and why vs. how