git-cli-convention

name	git-cli-convention
description	Command syntax for git operations. Heredoc format for commit messages, shell quoting and multi-line input patterns. Use when running git commit, git tag or any git command with structured input.

Git CLI Conventions

Heredoc Syntax for Commits

Use -F- with a heredoc to pass multi-line commit messages:

git commit -F- <<'EOF'
type(scope): subject line

Body explaining what and why, hard-wrapped at 72 characters.
Any additional paragraphs separated by blank lines.
EOF

The single-quoted 'EOF' delimiter prevents shell variable expansion; backticks, dollar signs and special characters all pass through literally.

Never use an unquoted heredoc delimiter. <<EOF allows shell variable expansion: $variables, backticks and $(commands) are expanded inside the body, corrupting the content. Always quote the delimiter: <<'EOF'.

Because quoted heredocs are fully literal, never put $variable syntax in the body expecting it to resolve. It won't — the text arrives exactly as written. If you need a dynamic value, write the actual value directly in the commit message.

Why Heredoc Over -m

The -m flag has limitations:

• Multi-line messages require multiple -m flags.
• Special characters need escaping.
• Quoting gets fragile with nested quotes.

Heredoc avoids all of these. Always prefer -F- with heredoc for commits with a body.

Shell Quoting

When constructing git commands:

• Single-quote strings that should be literal: 'no $expansion'
• Double-quote strings that need variable expansion: "branch: $name"
• Escape double quotes inside double-quoted strings: "say \"hello\""
• For strings containing single quotes, use double quotes: "it's fine"

Commit Command Patterns

Common patterns the agent should use:

# Simple commit with heredoc
git commit -F- <<'EOF'
feat(auth): add token refresh
EOF

# Amend to fix a mistake in the last commit
git commit --amend -F- <<'EOF'
fix(api): correct response parsing
EOF

# Staged commit with prefix commands
git add -A && git commit -F- <<'EOF'
chore: update dependencies
EOF

The commit-format skill covers the message format itself (types, scopes, subject/body rules). This skill covers the command mechanics.

One Concern Per Bash Call

Never combine git state changes with other commands in a single bash call. Guardians and interceptors rewrite commands during review, and compound commands risk losing parts that aren't part of the target command.

Bad (checkout may be dropped by the PR guardian):

git checkout feature-branch
gh pr create --title "..." --body-file - <<'EOF'
...
EOF

Good (separate calls, verified):

git checkout feature-branch

git branch --show-current  # verify before depending on it

gh pr create --title "..." --body-file - <<'EOF'
...
EOF

The same applies to any git state change (checkout, pull, reset, stash) followed by a command that depends on that state. Always verify the state change took effect in a separate call before proceeding.