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Pre-commit Hooks

A specific type of Git hook that runs before a commit is finalized, often used to check for code quality and security issues.

Categorydev

Overview

Pre-commit hooks are the first line of defense in a 'shift-left' strategy. They allow teams to catch simple errors and style violations before the code even leaves the developer's machine.

Common Checks

  • Linting: Ensuring code follows the style guide.
  • Formatting: Automatically fixing whitespace and indentation (e.g., with Prettier).
  • Secret Scanning: Checking for accidentally committed API keys or passwords.
  • Unit Testing: Running a small subset of fast tests.

Popular Tools

  • pre-commit (framework): A multi-language framework for managing and maintaining multi-language pre-commit hooks.
  • Husky: A popular tool for managing Git hooks in JavaScript projects.

Related Terms

Git HooksShift Left Testing