| name | using-git-worktrees |
| description | Use when starting feature work that needs isolation from current workspace or before executing implementation plans - creates isolated git worktrees with smart directory selection and safety verification |
Create isolated git workspaces for feature work. Systematic directory selection + safety verification = reliable isolation.
Use before executing implementation plans (required by subagent-driven-development and executing-plans).
Use when starting feature work that needs isolation from current workspace.
Announce at start: "I'm using the using-git-worktrees skill to set up an isolated workspace."
**Directory selection** — Priority: (1) existing `.worktrees/` or `worktrees/` dir, (2) CLAUDE.md preference, (3) ask user: `.worktrees/` (project-local, hidden) or `~/.config/bearpaws/worktrees/{project}/` (global).
**Safety verification** — For project-local dirs: `git check-ignore -q .worktrees`. If NOT ignored: add to .gitignore + commit immediately, then proceed. Global dirs need no verification.
**Create worktree** — `git worktree add "{path}/{branch}" -b "{branch}"` → `cd` into it.
**Run project setup** — Auto-detect: `package.json` → `npm install`, `Cargo.toml` → `cargo build`, `requirements.txt` → `pip install -r`, `go.mod` → `go mod download`.
**Verify clean baseline** — Run test suite. If pass: report ready. If fail: report failures, ask whether to proceed.
Never create project-local worktree without verifying it's git-ignored.
Never skip baseline test verification.
Never proceed with failing tests without asking.
Follow directory priority — don't assume location when ambiguous.
Integration
Called by: bp:brainstorming (after design approved), bp:subagent-driven-development, bp:executing-plans.
Pairs with: bp:finishing-a-development-branch (cleanup after work complete).
