// 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
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| 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 |
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:
# 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.
Check repo docs (e.g., AGENTS.md) for any worktree directory preference.
If a preference is specified, use it without asking.
If no directory exists and no project rule preference:
No worktree directory found. Where should I create worktrees?
1. .worktrees/ (project-local, hidden)
2. A global worktree directory outside the repo (to avoid gitignore concerns)
Which would you prefer?
MUST verify directory is ignored before creating worktree:
# 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
If NOT ignored:
.gitignoreWhy critical: Prevents accidentally committing worktree contents to repository.
No .gitignore verification needed - outside project entirely.
project=$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel)")
# Determine full path
case $LOCATION in
.worktrees|worktrees)
path="$LOCATION/$BRANCH_NAME"
;;
<global-worktrees>/*)
path="<global-worktrees>/$project/$BRANCH_NAME"
;;
esac
# Create worktree with new branch
git worktree add "$path" -b "$BRANCH_NAME"
cd "$path"
Auto-detect and run appropriate setup:
# 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
Run tests to ensure worktree starts clean:
# 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.
Worktree ready at <full-path>
Tests passing (<N> tests, 0 failures)
Ready to implement <feature-name>
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
.worktrees/ exists | Use it (verify ignored) |
worktrees/ exists | Use it (verify ignored) |
| Both exist | Use .worktrees/ |
| Neither exists | Check project rules → Ask user |
| Directory not ignored | Add to .gitignore (no auto-commit) |
| Tests fail during baseline | Report failures + ask |
| No package.json/Cargo.toml | Skip dependency install |
git check-ignore before creating project-local worktreeYou: 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
Never:
Always:
Called by:
Pairs with: