by AI Changelog (LX AI)

Changelog vs git log: what Keep a Changelog actually requires

Teams often paste git log into a release and call it done. Keep a Changelog is explicit: changelogs are for humans, not machines, and commit-log diffs are full of noise (merges, obscure titles, internal refactors).

A changelog entry records a notable difference — often spanning several commits — written for people who install or upgrade. That is the job AI Changelog helps draft from your commit and PR notes.

1. Start from notable changes, not every commit

Keep a Changelog groups same-type changes, lists the latest version first, shows release dates, and asks you to state your versioning scheme. It also recommends an Unreleased section for upcoming work.

2. Separate changelog from marketing release notes

Keep a Changelog 2.0 guidance distinguishes the ongoing record (changelog) from a single-release announcement (release notes). Derive the announcement from the changelog — do not maintain two conflicting stories.

3. SemVer signals breakages; the entry must still say so

Under Semantic Versioning, a major bump means incompatible API change — but readers miss numbers. Highlight breaking changes in the entry (e.g. a clear Breaking: marker) and link migration steps when they are long.

4. Automation is a draft, not a finished changelog

Tools in the conventional-changelog ecosystem can categorize Conventional Commits. Keep a Changelog still expects a person to decide what is notable and rewrite for readers.

References

• Keep a Changelog 1.1.0
• Keep a Changelog 2.0.0 guidance
• Semantic Versioning 2.0.0
• conventional-changelog

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Generated 2026-09-16 · citations from public primary sources · no fabricated traffic metrics