Writing Clear and Informative Changelogs

Changelogs serve as a crucial tool for keeping users informed about the changes made to a software project. A well-written changelog can enhance transparency, improve user experience, and streamline the update process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to crafting clear and informative changelogs:

Versioning

1. Major: Use a major version number when the update introduces breaking changes that may require significant modifications to existing code.
2. Minor: Use a minor version number for updates that introduce new features or enhancements without breaking existing functionality.
3. Patch: Use a patch version number for updates that primarily focus on bug fixes and minor improvements without introducing new features or breaking changes.

Changelog Structure

1. Unreleased: Create an “Unreleased” section to track changes that have been made but are not yet part of a released version. This helps maintain a clear record of ongoing development.

2. Categorized Changes: Organize changes into clear categories:

   • Added: Highlight new features or functionalities introduced in the update.
   • Changed: Describe modifications made to existing features or functionalities.
   • Deprecated: List features that are scheduled for removal in future updates.
   • Removed: Indicate features that have been removed from the current version.
   • Fixed: Document bug fixes and error resolutions implemented in the update.
   • Security: Address any security vulnerabilities or enhancements related to the update.

Read more at keepachangelog.com