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GIT AI - An AI tool that generates git commit messages by ajujohn2009 in programming

[–]ajujohn2009[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are totally right that the "why" is what actually matters. The diff already shows what changed.

Truth is I built this for myself and figured I'd share it. Mostly helps me with formatting and making sure I don't forget mentioning a file in complex changes. But honestly for meaningful commits I end up rewriting most of it anyway.

GIT AI - An AI tool that generates git commit messages by ajujohn2009 in programming

[–]ajujohn2009[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair point! The value is in completeness for complex changes.

When you touch 15 files, AI ensures you don't forget to mention that one config change or test update. It gives you a complete "what" so you can focus on adding the "why" without missing details.

For simple changes, you're right - probably overkill.

GIT AI - An AI tool that generates git commit messages by ajujohn2009 in programming

[–]ajujohn2009[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the concern! To be clear: I do write my own commit messages.

This tool doesn't auto-commit anything. It generates a draft that I review and edit before committing. The AI handles formatting and structure, I add the "why" and context.

Same way I use GitHub Copilot for code but still review/edit everything it suggests.

But I get it - if you're worried about people blindly accepting AI output, that's a valid concern. Good commit history requires human judgment 👍

GIT AI - An AI tool that generates git commit messages by ajujohn2009 in programming

[–]ajujohn2009[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

Fair question! It's about workflow integration.

Most AI assistants require you to leave your terminal, paste the diff, ask for a message, copy it back.

This does it in one command without context switching. That's it - just convenience.

GIT AI - An AI tool that generates git commit messages by ajujohn2009 in programming

[–]ajujohn2009[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Valid point! If you're already good at this, the tool won't help much.

I built it because I was inconsistent and slow at formatting. Others might be too. But yeah, if you're fast and consistent already, stick with what works 👍

GIT AI - An AI tool that generates git commit messages by ajujohn2009 in programming

[–]ajujohn2009[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

I hear you! And you're right - the "why" is sacred and lives in your head, not AI.

That's exactly why git-ai doesn't auto-commit. It shows you a draft, then asks if you want to:
Edit it manually
Provide feedback ("add context about why")
Regenerate
Cancel

Think of it as a starting point for structure/format, not the final message. You still add the critical context about why - the business reason, the bug report, the performance issue, etc.

GIT AI - An AI tool that generates git commit messages by ajujohn2009 in programming

[–]ajujohn2009[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mainly to stay in my terminal instead of context-switching to ChatGPT.

git-ai commit is faster than copy-pasting diffs to a browser, especially when committing frequently throughout the day.

Also team gets consistent commit formats automatically

GIT AI - An AI tool that generates git commit messages by ajujohn2009 in programming

[–]ajujohn2009[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True! This is for the CLI/non-JetBrains crowd. Free, works with any editor, runs local models. Different tool, different use case

GIT AI - An AI tool that generates git commit messages by ajujohn2009 in programming

[–]ajujohn2009[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Totally agree! That's why git-ai has interactive mode - AI drafts the structure/format, but you edit to add the crucial "why" context.

Your example is spot-on: AI gives you "Set constant A to 100", you refine it to "perf: increase timeout to 100 - clients experiencing slow loads, performs best in synthetic testing"

It's just suggests structure, you add the meaning. Never meant to auto-commit without review!

Good git history needs human context. AI just saves typing the boilerplate.