using-git-worktrees

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 orderls -d .worktrees 2>/dev/null     # Preferred (hidden)ls -d worktrees 2>/dev/null      # Alternative

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

2. Check CLAUDE.md

grep -i "worktree.*director" CLAUDE.md 2>/dev/null

If preference specified: Use it without asking.

3. Ask User

If no directory exists and no CLAUDE.md preference:

No worktree directory found. Where should I create worktrees?1. .worktrees/ (project-local, hidden)2. ~/.config/superpowers/worktrees/<project-name>/ (global location)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 (respects local, global, and system gitignore)git check-ignore -q .worktrees 2>/dev/null || git check-ignore -q worktrees 2>/dev/null

If NOT ignored:

Per Jesse's rule "Fix broken things immediately":

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

Why critical: Prevents accidentally committing worktree contents to repository.

For Global Directory (~/.config/superpowers/worktrees)

No .gitignore verification needed - outside project entirely.

Creation Steps

1. Detect Project Name

project=$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel)")

2. Create Worktree

# Determine full pathcase $LOCATION in  .worktrees|worktrees)    path="$LOCATION/$BRANCH_NAME"    ;;  ~/.config/superpowers/worktrees/*)    path="~/.config/superpowers/worktrees/$project/$BRANCH_NAME"    ;;esac# Create worktree with new branchgit worktree add "$path" -b "$BRANCH_NAME"cd "$path"

3. Run Project Setup

Auto-detect and run appropriate setup:

# Node.jsif [ -f package.json ]; then npm install; fi# Rustif [ -f Cargo.toml ]; then cargo build; fi# Pythonif [ -f requirements.txt ]; then pip install -r requirements.txt; fiif [ -f pyproject.toml ]; then poetry install; fi# Goif [ -f go.mod ]; then go mod download; fi

4. Verify Clean Baseline

Run tests to ensure worktree starts clean:

# Examples - use project-appropriate commandnpm testcargo testpytestgo 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 > CLAUDE.md > 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 /Users/jesse/myproject/.worktrees/authTests 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 CLAUDE.md check

Always:

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

Integration

Called by:

• brainstorming (Phase 4) - REQUIRED when design is approved and implementation follows
• Any skill needing isolated workspace

Pairs with:

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