Why Linus Torvalds Demands Clear Commit Messages in Linux 6.3
Linus Torvalds warned developers that merge requests without explanatory commit messages are considered garbage, emphasizing that clear log messages are essential for maintainable Linux kernel history as the 6.3 merge window progresses.
Linux 6.3’s merge window is open, and Linus Torvalds has already received a flood of pull‑requests, which are being processed in an orderly fashion.
However, Linus expressed strong dissatisfaction with the log messages of some submissions, stating: “I have said it before, and I need to repeat it: if you are too lazy to explain why a merge request exists, then by definition it is just a pile of garbage!”
Missing comments in merge requests anger Linus Torvalds
Linus believes that if a developer cannot clearly explain a merge request, they should not submit it; submitting without explanation is “producing garbage.” He stresses that every developer must remember this rule and include meaningful comments in the log messages.
Currently, merge requests lacking comments appear meaningless, and Linus finds them abhorrent because they clutter the code history and make it harder to read.
The final outcome of this merge is a fix for Linux 6.2, and developers are encouraged to provide clearer annotations for future submissions.
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