When should teams adopt Commit message conventions, and when should they avoid it?

Commit message conventions are essential for maintaining clarity and consistency in project development. Teams should adopt them under the following conditions:

• Collaboration: When multiple team members are working on the same codebase, consistent commit messages help in understanding changes quickly.
• Long-term Projects: For projects expected to evolve over time, clear messages assist future maintainers in grasping the history and reasoning behind changes.
• Open Source Projects: In open source environments, others may rely on readable commit messages to contribute effectively.

On the other hand, teams should consider avoiding strict conventions in scenarios like:

• Small Teams: Small teams or solo developers may not require rigid guidelines as communication can occur informally.
• Rapid Prototyping: In situations where speed is prioritized over clarity, detailed messages may hinder progress.
• Non-critical Projects: For projects that are temporary or not meant for long-term maintenance, commit message formats may be unnecessary.