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
bash
# Check in priority order ls -d .worktrees 2>/dev/null # Preferred (hidden) ls -d worktrees 2>/dev/null # Alternative ```text **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:
text
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:
bash
# 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 ```text **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 ```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"
```text
### 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 ./... ```text **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
text
## Quick Reference | Situation | Action | |-----------|--------| | `.worktrees/` exists | Use it (verify ignored) | | `worktrees/` exists | Use it (verify ignored) | | Both exist | Use `.worktrees/` | | Neither exists | Check CLAUDE.md → Ask user | | Directory not ignored | Add to .gitignore + commit | | Tests fail during baseline | Report failures + ask | | No package.json/Cargo.toml | Skip dependency install | ## 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 ```text 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/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 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