parallel-worktree

name	parallel-worktree
description	Git worktree workflow for parallel development. Start new features or bug fixes in isolated worktrees, enabling multiple Claude sessions to run simultaneously. Use when: starting new feature development, needing parallel work, or managing worktree creation/listing/completion.

Parallel Worktree Development

Git worktree parallel development workflow skill. Inspired by Boris Cherny's workflow and Claude Code Desktop features.

Operations

Create New Worktree

When user requests "create a new worktree", "start working on feature-xxx", etc.:

1. Check if .gitignore contains .worktree/
   • If not, suggest adding it
2. Confirm branch name (ask if not specified)
3. Create worktree:

   git worktree add .worktree/<branch> -b <branch>
   

4. Install dependencies and verify build:

   cd .worktree/<branch> && pnpm install && pnpm build
   

5. On success, present the command to start a new terminal session:

   cd .worktree/<branch> && claude
   

List Worktrees

When user requests "list worktrees", "show parallel sessions", etc.:

git worktree list

Format the output nicely and explain each worktree's branch and status.

Finish Worktree

When user requests "finish worktree", "merge this work", etc.:

1. Check current branch
2. If there are uncommitted changes, suggest committing
3. Fetch latest main and rebase:

   git fetch origin main
   git rebase origin/main
   

4. Checkout main and merge:

   git checkout main
   git merge <branch>
   

5. Remove worktree:

   git worktree remove .worktree/<branch>
   

Switch Worktree

When user requests "switch worktree", "move to feature-xxx", etc.:

1. Check existing worktrees with git worktree list
2. If the specified branch worktree exists:
   • Present the command to navigate to that directory
3. If it doesn't exist:
   • Ask if user wants to create a new one

Important Rules

• Always check .gitignore before creating worktrees
• If build fails, report and stop
• Never use force delete (--force)
• Avoid direct work on main/master branches
• Recommend working in each worktree with an independent Claude session

Best Practices

Boris Cherny's Parallel Development Style

• Manage 3-5 worktrees simultaneously
• Number each terminal tab for easy management
• Assign independent tasks to each worktree
• Regularly merge main to prevent divergence

Recommended Structure

project/                  # Main repository (design/review)
├── .worktree/
│   ├── feature-auth/     # Claude session #1
│   ├── feature-api/      # Claude session #2
│   └── bugfix-123/       # Claude session #3

Related Files

• .worktreeinclude: Configuration for files to copy to worktrees
• .gitignore: Excludes .worktree/