Mastering 'git send-email' (with examples)

The git send-email command is a useful tool in the Git suite for developers working in collaborative environments. It is designed to facilitate sending patches via email, a common practice in open-source development. This command allows users to send a collection of patches through email directly from the command line, which can be specified in multiple forms such as files, directories, or a list of revisions. Utilizing git send-email can significantly streamline the process of submitting code reviews and changes to a project’s maintainers or contributors.

Use case 1: Send the last commit in the current branch interactively

Code:

git send-email -1

Motivation:
Sending the last commit interactively is crucial when you have recently made changes and need to quickly share them with the team for review or integration. This is particularly useful when working on critical fixes or enhancements that need immediate attention.

Explanation:

• -1: This flag specifies that you want to send the last commit from the current branch history for review. The -1 option ensures only the most recent commit is considered, streamlining the process to just that single change.

Example Output:
This operation triggers an interface allowing you to modify or confirm the parameters and recipients for the email, ensuring the last committed patch is directly sent from your terminal to your specified recipients.

Use case 2: Send a given commit

Code:

git send-email -1 <commit>

Motivation:
In a scenario where a specific commit, rather than the most recent one, needs to be shared—perhaps because it contains an important feature or bug fix that someone else on the team needs to review or work with—this command is indispensable.

Explanation:

• -1: In this context, it limits the scope to just one patch.
• <commit>: This argument should be replaced with the hash or reference of the specific commit you want to send. It offers precise control over which changes are being communicated.

Example Output:
The specified commit is prepared and sent via email, allowing you to share just the targeted set of changes.

Use case 3: Send multiple (e.g., 10) commits in the current branch

Code:

git send-email -10

Motivation:
Developers often work on several related or sequential changes, which can be best understood if sent together as a series of patches. Sending multiple commits helps in preserving the context and flow of the changes, making them easier to review as a cohesive unit.

Explanation:

• -10: This instructs the command to gather and send the last 10 commits from the current branch. This range can vary according to how many commits you want to include.

Example Output:
The command sends the latest 10 commits from your branch, each as a separate patch in an email thread, creating a historical narrative of your development efforts.

Use case 4: Send an introductory email message for the patch series

Code:

git send-email -<number_of_commits> --compose

Motivation:
Providing an introductory email is beneficial when sending multiple patches as it offers a summary and context for the entire series. It allows recipients to understand the overarching goals before diving into individual patches.

Explanation:

• -<number_of_commits>: Replace <number_of_commits> with the number of commits you wish to send.
• --compose: This option prompts you to draft a cover or introductory letter that serves as a preamble to the patches.

Example Output:
You are given the opportunity to write a custom message that will precede the patch series in the email, helping recipients grasp the purpose and intent of the changes.

Use case 5: Review and edit the email message for each patch you’re about to send

Code:

git send-email -<number_of_commits> --annotate

Motivation:
The ability to review and annotate each email message before sending is crucial for ensuring clarity and precision. It allows developers to provide additional explanations, correct any inline email text, and make sure that each patch is adequately detailed.

Explanation:

• -<number_of_commits>: Specify the number of patches you wish to send.
• --annotate: This option allows you to interactively edit the email bodies before they are dispatched.

Example Output:
Each patch’s email message opens in your default text editor, letting you make necessary edits or additions, ensuring each patch is properly documented.

Conclusion:

The git send-email command offers a versatile environment for sending patches via email, accommodating a wide range of scenarios typical in a development workflow. By harnessing its capabilities, developers can maintain efficient communication and collaboration across distributed teams, ensuring that contributions are properly reviewed and integrated into open-source projects.