changelog-writing

name	changelog-writing
description	Audit and rewrite project changelogs to adhere strictly to Keep a Changelog and Semantic Versioning standards. Use when reviewing, drafting, or refining project changelogs.
metadata	{"platforms":"cross-platform","languages":"generic","category":"git"}

Changelog Writing & Auditing

Use this skill when reviewing, drafting, or refining project changelogs. It ensures they follow Keep a Changelog formatting and remain clear to readers.

Core Rules

1. Write for Humans: Changelogs must be clear and readable. They are written for developers and users to understand what changed and why.
2. Do Not Dump Git Logs: Never export git commit messages directly into the changelog. Group and summarize changes into clear, user-facing actions.
3. Chronological Order: Group changes by version release, with the newest version at the top.
4. Link to Releases: Format version headers as links comparing the previous tag with the current tag when possible.

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Standard Categories

Group changes under these third-level headers (###):

• ### Added: New features or capabilities.
• ### Changed: Improvements to existing behavior or APIs.
• ### Deprecated: Features that will be removed in future versions.
• ### Removed: Features removed in this release.
• ### Fixed: Bug fixes.
• ### Security: Vulnerability fixes or security upgrades.

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Read Git History

Before updating a changelog, read the git history of the target branch:

1. Find Base Branch: Identify the base branch (e.g., main or the last release tag).
2. Get Commit Messages: Run git log <base-branch>..HEAD --oneline to see the commits. If checking local changes, use git log -n 50 --oneline.
3. Check Diff: If commit messages lack detail, run git diff <base-branch>..HEAD to see the code changes.
4. Summarize: Group changes under the standard Keep a Changelog categories. Translate commit messages into plain actions.

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Tone and Style

• Plain Wording: Avoid corporate jargon or AI terms (e.g., "leverage", "streamline", "optimize", "enhance"). Use simple active verbs (e.g., "Use", "Simplify", "Improve", "Group").
• Active Voice: Start bullet points with past-tense action verbs (e.g., "Grouped 41 tools...", "Replaced format parameters...").
• Keep Lines Short: Use brief, single-sentence bullet points.

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Examples

Bad Entry (Raw commit dump / AI-jargon)

## 1.1.0

- Refactored user authentication handlers to streamline login flow and leverage performance metrics.
- We also resolved minor warnings.
- Added custom styling to dashboard panel.
- Fixed some bugs in the API request processor.

Good Entry (Keep a Changelog standard)

## 1.1.0

### Added
- Added custom styling properties to dashboard panels.

### Changed
- Simplified login flows in user authentication handlers.

### Fixed
- Fixed exception handling when processing API requests.

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Checklist

Before saving a CHANGELOG.md file, verify:

1. Are changes grouped under standard categories (Added, Changed, Fixed, Removed)?
2. Are raw git logs, hashes, and commit messages absent?
3. Are all entries written in plain English, free of AI terms?
4. Is the newest version at the top?