What Is a Changelog?
A changelog is a file documenting notable changes made to a project across its versions, typically listing additions, fixes, and breaking changes for each re...
Published October 8, 2026
A changelog is a file documenting notable changes made to a project across its versions, typically listing additions, fixes, and breaking changes for each release.
Why it exists
- Without a changelog, users of a library or application have no clear way to know what changed between versions without reading every commit
- Release notes scattered across commit messages or pull requests aren't convenient for someone deciding whether to upgrade
How to apply it
- Keep a changelog in a dedicated CHANGELOG.md file, updated alongside each release rather than reconstructed after the fact
- Group entries by type (Added, Changed, Fixed, Removed) and clearly flag any breaking changes for each version
FAQ
Can a changelog be generated automatically?
Yes — tools can generate one from structured commit messages (like Conventional Commits), automatically categorizing entries by the type of change indicated in each commit.