[DL.LD.3] Commit local changes early and often

Category: FOUNDATIONAL

While developing locally, developers should begin to make small, frequent commits to save versions of their code changes as they develop. Unlike pushing code changes so that they are accessible to other team members, local commits deal specifically with a developer's individual progress as they develop locally. This practice makes local development safer, enabling developers to freely innovate without fear of losing completed work by capturing snapshots of iterative changes to the code base.

Use version control tools, like Git, local testing tools for fast feedback, and conventional commit messages that describe the nature and rationale behind the changes for. Strive to make it a habit to locally commit changes as soon as a logical unit of work is completed. This can be after fixing a bug, adding a new function, or refining an existing piece of code.

Placing emphasis on the significance of making frequent local commits adapts developers to the idea of breaking down work into smaller, more manageable batches of work. This translates into streamlined integration processes when working in a team and is critical for practicing continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD).

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