? Git Signing Commits & Tags

? Quick Overview

Git allows you to sign commits and tags using cryptographic keys (GPG or SSH) to verify authorship and integrity. Signed commits help ensure that changes come from trusted sources and have not been tampered with.

? Key Concepts

Cryptographic signatures verify commit authenticity
GPG and SSH keys are supported
Signed commits build trust and auditability
Verification is possible at any time

? Syntax & Theory

When a commit or tag is signed, Git embeds a cryptographic signature generated using your private key. Others can verify this signature using your public key to confirm the author and integrity of the change.

? Code Examples

? Generate GPG Key

# Generates a new GPG key for signing commits
gpg --full-generate-key

? Configure Git to Use GPG

# Sets the default GPG key for Git signing
git config --global user.signingkey ABC123DEF4567890

? Sign a Commit

# Creates a signed commit
git commit --gpg-sign

? Sign a Tag

# Creates a signed Git tag
git tag -s v1.0.0 -m "Release version 1.0.0"

? Live Output / Explanation

Verification Result

Git will display a Good signature message along with the signer’s identity if the commit or tag is valid.

? Interactive Concept

Think of commit signing like digitally signing a legal document — anyone can read it, but only you can prove you signed it.

? Use Cases

Open-source contributions
Enterprise code auditing
Security-sensitive repositories
Compliance-driven projects

✅ Tips & Best Practices

Always sign commits in shared repositories
Back up your private keys securely
Verify commits before merging

? Try It Yourself

Generate a GPG key and configure Git
Create signed commits and tags
Verify commit signatures using Git log