using-git-worktrees

SKILL: Using Git Worktrees

Purpose: Parallel development using isolated workspaces for concurrent feature branches Target: Developers working on multiple features simultaneously

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Quick Start

When to Use This Skill

• Developing multiple features concurrently
• Running long-running tests on one branch while working on another
• Isolating experimental changes without stash/commit dance
• Hotfix production while continuing feature work

Quick Reference

# Create new worktree
git worktree add ../project-feature-1 feature-1
git worktree add ../project-feature-2 feature-2

# List worktrees
git worktree list

# Remove worktree after merge
git worktree remove ../project-feature-1

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Core Concepts

Worktree Creation

Basic Syntax:

git worktree add <path> <branch> [<start-point>]

Examples:

# Create worktree for existing branch
git worktree add ../myproject-feature feature-x

# Create worktree for new branch
git worktree add ../myproject-experiment -b experiment-branch

# Create worktree at specific commit
git worktree add ../myproject-v1.0 -b v1.0-fixes a1b2c3d

Worktree Management

List worktrees:

git worktree list
# Output:
# /path/to/main              abc1234 [main]
# /path/to/feature-1         def5678 [feature-1]
# /path/to/hotfix            ghi9012 [hotfix/security-fix]

Remove worktree:

# Prune after deleting directory manually
rm -rf ../myproject-feature
git worktree prune

# Remove directly
git worktree remove ../myproject-feature

Lock worktree (prevent cleanup):

git worktree lock ../myproject-critical
git worktree unlock ../myproject-critical

Workflow Integration

Parallel Development Pattern:

# Main workspace: feature work
cd ~/project-main
git checkout -b feature-auth

# Worktree 1: Hotfix
git worktree add ../project-hotfix -b hotfix-login
cd ../project-hotfix
# Fix hotfix, test, commit, push

# Worktree 2: Experiment
git worktree add ../project-experiment -b experiment-ui
cd ../project-experiment
# Try new UI approach, discard if fails

# Return to main workspace
cd ~/project-main
# Continue feature work, merge hotfix when ready