Using Git Worktrees

Overview

Git worktrees create isolated workspaces sharing the same repository, allowing work on multiple branches simultaneously without switching.

Core principle: Systematic directory selection + safety verification = reliable isolation.

Announce at start: "I'm using the using-git-worktrees skill to set up an isolated workspace."

Directory Selection Process

Follow this priority order:

1. Check Existing Directories

# Check in priority order (PowerShell)
Test-Path .worktrees     # Preferred (hidden)
Test-Path worktrees      # Alternative

If found: Use that directory. If both exist, .worktrees wins.

2. Ask User

If no directory exists:

No worktree directory found. Where should I create worktrees?

1. .worktrees/ (project-local, hidden)
2. worktrees/ (project-local, visible)

Which would you prefer?

Safety Verification

For Project-Local Directories (.worktrees or worktrees)

MUST verify directory is ignored before creating worktree:

# Check if directory is ignored
git check-ignore -q .worktrees

If NOT ignored:

1. Add appropriate line to .gitignore
2. Commit the change
3. Proceed with worktree creation

Why critical: Prevents accidentally committing worktree contents to repository.

Creation Steps

1. Detect Project Name

$project = Split-Path -Leaf (git rev-parse --show-toplevel)

2. Create Worktree

# Create worktree with new branch
git worktree add ".worktrees/$BRANCH_NAME" -b "$BRANCH_NAME"
cd ".worktrees/$BRANCH_NAME"

3. Run Project Setup

Auto-detect and run appropriate setup:

# Node.js
if (Test-Path package.json) { npm install }

# Python
if (Test-Path requirements.txt) { pip install -r requirements.txt }
if (Test-Path pyproject.toml) { poetry install }

4. Verify Clean Baseline

Run tests to ensure worktree starts clean:

npm test

If tests fail: Report failures, ask whether to proceed or investigate.

If tests pass: Report ready.

5. Report Location

Worktree ready at <full-path>
Tests passing (<N> tests, 0 failures)
Ready to implement <feature-name>

Quick Reference

Common Mistakes

Skipping ignore verification

• Problem: Worktree contents get tracked, pollute git status
• Fix: Always use git check-ignore before creating project-local worktree

Assuming directory location

• Problem: Creates inconsistency, violates project conventions
• Fix: Follow priority: existing > ask

Proceeding with failing tests

• Problem: Can't distinguish new bugs from pre-existing issues
• Fix: Report failures, get explicit permission to proceed

Hardcoding setup commands

• Problem: Breaks on projects using different tools
• Fix: Auto-detect from project files (package.json, etc.)

Example Workflow

You: I'm using the using-git-worktrees skill to set up an isolated workspace.

[Check .worktrees/ - exists]
[Verify ignored - git check-ignore confirms .worktrees/ is ignored]
[Create worktree: git worktree add .worktrees/auth -b feature/auth]
[Run npm install]
[Run npm test - 47 passing]

Worktree ready at C:\project\.worktrees\auth
Tests passing (47 tests, 0 failures)
Ready to implement auth feature

Red Flags

Never:

• Create worktree without verifying it's ignored (project-local)
• Skip baseline test verification
• Proceed with failing tests without asking
• Assume directory location when ambiguous
• Skip ignore verification

Always:

• Follow directory priority: existing > ask
• Verify directory is ignored for project-local
• Auto-detect and run project setup
• Verify clean test baseline

Integration

Called by:

• brainstorming - When design is approved and implementation follows

Pairs with:

• finishing-a-development-branch - Cleanup after work complete
• executing-plans or subagent-driven-development - Work happens in this worktree