using-git-worktrees

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."

Follow this priority order:

1. Check Existing Directories

```bash

# Check in priority order

ls -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

```bash

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// (global location)

Which would you prefer?

```

For Project-Local Directories (.worktrees or worktrees)

MUST verify .gitignore before creating worktree:

```bash

# Check if directory pattern in .gitignore

grep -q "^\.worktrees/$" .gitignore || grep -q "^worktrees/$" .gitignore

```

If NOT in .gitignore:

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.

1. Detect Project Name

```bash

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

```

2. Create Worktree

```bash

# Determine full path

case $LOCATION in

.worktrees|worktrees)

path="$LOCATION/$BRANCH_NAME"

;;

~/.config/superpowers/worktrees/*)

path="~/.config/superpowers/worktrees/$project/$BRANCH_NAME"

;;

esac

# Create worktree with new branch

git worktree add "$path" -b "$BRANCH_NAME"

cd "$path"

```

3. Run Project Setup

Auto-detect and run appropriate setup:

```bash

# Node.js

if [ -f package.json ]; then npm install; fi

# Rust

if [ -f Cargo.toml ]; then cargo build; fi

# Python

if [ -f requirements.txt ]; then pip install -r requirements.txt; fi

if [ -f pyproject.toml ]; then poetry install; fi

# Go

if [ -f go.mod ]; then go mod download; fi

```

4. Verify Clean Baseline

Run tests to ensure worktree starts clean:

```bash

# Examples - use project-appropriate command

npm test

cargo test

pytest

go test ./...

```

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

If tests pass: Report ready.

5. Report Location

```

Worktree ready at

Tests passing ( tests, 0 failures)

Ready to implement

```

| Situation | Action |

|-----------|--------|

| .worktrees/ exists | Use it (verify .gitignore) |

| worktrees/ exists | Use it (verify .gitignore) |

| Both exist | Use .worktrees/ |

| Neither exists | Check CLAUDE.md → Ask user |

| Directory not in .gitignore | Add it immediately + commit |

| Tests fail during baseline | Report failures + ask |

| No package.json/Cargo.toml | Skip dependency install |

Skipping .gitignore verification

• Problem: Worktree contents get tracked, pollute git status
• Fix: Always grep .gitignore 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.)

```

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

[Check .worktrees/ - exists]

[Verify .gitignore - contains .worktrees/]

[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/auth

Tests passing (47 tests, 0 failures)

Ready to implement auth feature

```

Never:

• Create worktree without .gitignore verification (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 .gitignore for project-local
• Auto-detect and run project setup
• Verify clean test baseline

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