Modify commit message on gerrit after patchset creation?

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07-10-2024

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Modifying Commit Messages in Gerrit After Patchset Creation: A Guide

Gerrit is a code review system widely used in the software development world. One common need during code reviews is to modify the commit message. While Gerrit doesn't offer a direct edit option for commit messages after a patchset is created, there are effective workarounds to address this. This article will explore those methods, providing a step-by-step guide and additional insights for developers working with Gerrit.

The Problem: Need to Modify Commit Messages After Patchset Creation

Imagine this scenario: You've diligently worked on a feature branch, crafted a patchset, and uploaded it to Gerrit for review. However, during the review process, you realize the commit message needs to be adjusted. Perhaps it's missing crucial information, contains typos, or requires a more accurate description of the changes. But Gerrit seems to lock the commit message after the patchset is created.

Solutions and Workarounds

Fortunately, there are several approaches to modifying the commit message post-patchset creation in Gerrit:

1. Amend the Commit (Recommended): This is the most common and efficient solution.

   • Steps:

     1. Fetch the latest changes from the target branch: This ensures your local branch is up-to-date.
     2. Amend the last commit: Use git commit --amend to modify the commit message. Remember to save the changes before closing the editor.
     3. Force push the changes to Gerrit: Use git push --force-with-lease origin HEAD:refs/for/<target_branch> to overwrite the existing patchset with the amended commit.

   • Caution: Force pushing is a powerful action. It should be used with caution, as it can overwrite the original commit history and impact other collaborators. Always ensure you understand the ramifications before employing this method.

2. Create a New Patchset: If amending the commit is not feasible or if you want to preserve the original commit message, you can create a new patchset.

   • Steps:

     1. Update the commit message locally: Change the commit message directly on your local branch.
     2. Push the changes to Gerrit: Use git push origin HEAD:refs/for/<target_branch> to create a new patchset with the updated commit message.

   • Note: This method will create a new patchset with a different change ID. It's important to inform reviewers of the new patchset, especially if they've already provided feedback on the original one.

3. Utilize the Change-Id Header: For situations where the commit message is only a minor correction, you can leverage the Change-Id header.

   • Steps:

     1. Create a new commit: Make a small commit with only the desired message change.
     2. Ensure the Change-Id header is the same: Gerrit uses this header to link changes together. Maintain the same Change-Id as the original patchset.
     3. Push the commit to Gerrit: This will update the existing patchset with the new commit message.

   • Note: This approach preserves the original commit history and avoids creating a new patchset, but is only suitable for small message modifications.

Best Practices and Considerations:

• Keep Commit Messages Concise and Descriptive: A clear and well-written commit message is crucial for efficient code reviews and understanding the changes made.
• Communicate Changes: If you choose to modify the commit message through any method, it's essential to notify the reviewers of the updates.
• Be Mindful of Collaboration: Always consider the impact of your actions on other collaborators before performing force pushes or creating new patchsets.

Conclusion:

While Gerrit doesn't have a built-in option to directly edit commit messages after patchset creation, the workarounds discussed in this article provide effective solutions. Understanding the nuances and consequences of each method will empower you to confidently modify commit messages and streamline your code review process in Gerrit. Remember to choose the most appropriate approach based on your specific needs and the complexity of the message changes required.