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Default Type Selection Matrix

Pack: engineering Parent skill: Write Intentional Commit Message Source: engineering/write-intentional-commit-message/references/default-type-selection-matrix.md Choose type by effect, not by file type.

Default mapping:

  • feat: adds a new capability
  • fix: corrects broken behavior
  • refactor: changes structure or direction without adding a net-new capability
  • docs: documentation-only change
  • chore: tooling, maintenance, CI, automation, or housekeeping
  • test: adds or changes tests without changing product behavior

Common mistakes:

  • using docs because README changed, even though the real change is architectural
  • using chore because the diff is big
  • using feat for a refactor that only reorganizes existing behavior

Commit splitting rule:

  • one commit should tell one coherent story
  • if the message needs and, the commit may be too broad

Amend rule:

  • amend when the new changes still serve the same original intent
  • make a new commit when the intent changed