The latest articles on DEV Community by Chekarda Ali (@chekarda_ali_c14d11faf19c). https://dev.to/chekarda_ali_c14d11faf19c https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F4128732%2Fb7860968-cbff-422d-b327-f2b3a46c45a6.jpg https://dev.to/chekarda_ali_c14d11faf19c en Chekarda Ali Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:55:57 +0000 https://dev.to/chekarda_ali_c14d11faf19c/how-i-built-a-vs-code-extension-that-solves-bad-commit-messages-no-ai-required-411n https://dev.to/chekarda_ali_c14d11faf19c/how-i-built-a-vs-code-extension-that-solves-bad-commit-messages-no-ai-required-411n <p>Every developer has done it. You finish some code, open the terminal, and write:</p> <p><code>git commit -m "fix"</code></p> <p>Or worse:<br> <code>git commit -m "update"</code></p> <p>Months later, you look at your history and have no idea what changed.</p> <h2> The Problem </h2> <p>Good commit messages take time. You have to:</p> <ol> <li>Review the diff</li> <li>Think about the format</li> <li>Choose the right type (feat/fix/refactor)</li> <li>Write a clear subject line</li> </ol> <p>It's not hard — it's just tedious.</p> <h2> The Solution I Built </h2> <p>I made <strong>Git Commit Genius</strong> — a VS Code extension that generates professional commit messages automatically.</p> <p><strong>How it works:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Stage your files (<code>git add .</code>)</li> <li>Press <code>Ctrl+Shift+C</code> </li> <li>Pick from 4 smart suggestions</li> <li>Commit with one click</li> </ol> <p><strong>Features:</strong></p> <ul> <li>100% offline (no AI, no API calls)</li> <li>Follows Conventional Commits standard</li> <li>4 actions: Commit now, Copy as git command, Copy message, or Set in Git panel</li> <li>Supports 15+ file types</li> </ul> <h2> Why No AI? </h2> <p>AI commit message generators exist. But they:</p> <ul> <li>Cost money (subscriptions)</li> <li>Require internet</li> <li>Send your code to external servers</li> <li>Are slow</li> </ul> <p>My tool uses <strong>pattern matching</strong> and <strong>file analysis</strong> to generate suggestions — all locally, all instantly.</p> <h2> Demo: <a href="https://vimeo.com/1226783531?share=copy&amp;fl=sv&amp;fe=ci" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://vimeo.com/1226783531?share=copy&amp;fl=sv&amp;fe=ci</a> </h2> <h2> Get It </h2> <p>If you want to try it: <a href="https://payhip.com/b/3QYiN" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://payhip.com/b/3QYiN</a></p> <h2> What's Next </h2> <p>I'm planning:</p> <ul> <li>Custom commit templates</li> <li>Multi-language support</li> <li>Team-shared configurations</li> </ul> <p>Feedback welcome!</p> git softwaredevelopment tools vscode