Using Git Worktrees

Overview

Git worktrees create isolated workspaces within a single repository, allowing you to work on multiple branches simultaneously without switching contexts or managing multiple clones. This skill provides a systematic approach to setting up git worktrees with proper directory selection and safety verification.

When to Use

Use this skill when:

• Starting feature work that needs isolation from your current workspace
• Before executing implementation plans where you need a clean, isolated environment
• Working on multiple branches in parallel without context switching
• You need baseline tests to pass before beginning work

Key Features

• Smart directory selection - Follows a priority order to determine where to create worktrees
• Safety verification - Ensures .gitignore is properly configured for project-local worktrees
• Auto-detection - Automatically detects and runs appropriate setup commands (npm, cargo, pip, poetry, go)
• Baseline verification - Runs tests to ensure the worktree starts in a clean state
• Integration - Designed to work with other skills like brainstorming and plan execution

Core Principle

Systematic directory selection + safety verification = reliable isolation.