// Create isolated git worktrees with smart directory selection and safety verification
Fork, clone to ~/.clank, run installer, edit CLAUDE.md
RED-GREEN-REFACTOR for process documentation - baseline without skill, write addressing failures, iterate closing loopholes
Skills wiki intro - mandatory workflows, search tool, brainstorming triggers
Interactive idea refinement using Socratic method to develop fully-formed designs
Execute detailed plans in batches with review checkpoints
Execute implementation plan by dispatching fresh subagent for each task, with code review between tasks
| name | Using Git Worktrees |
| description | Create isolated git worktrees with smart directory selection and safety verification |
| when_to_use | When starting feature implementation in isolation. When brainstorming transitions to code. When need separate workspace without branch switching. Before executing implementation plans. |
| version | 1.0.0 |
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.
grep -i "worktree.*director" CLAUDE.md 2>/dev/null
If preference specified: Use it without asking.
If no directory exists and no CLAUDE.md preference:
No worktree directory found. Where should I create worktrees?
1. .worktrees/ (project-local, hidden)
2. ~/.clank-worktrees/<project-name>/ (global location)
Which would you prefer?
MUST verify .gitignore before creating worktree:
# Check if directory pattern in .gitignore
grep -q "^\.worktrees/$" .gitignore || grep -q "^worktrees/$" .gitignore
If NOT in .gitignore:
Per Jesse's rule "Fix broken things immediately":
Why 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/$BRANCH_NAME"
;;
~/.clank-worktrees/*)
path="~/.clank-worktrees/$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 .gitignore) |
worktrees/ exists | Use it (verify .gitignore) |
| Both exist | Use .worktrees/ |
| Neither exists | Check CLAUDE.md → Ask user |
| Directory not in .gitignore | Add it immediately + commit |
| Tests fail during baseline | Report failures + ask |
| No package.json/Cargo.toml | Skip dependency install |
Skipping .gitignore verification
Assuming directory location
Proceeding with failing tests
Hardcoding setup commands
You: I'm using the Using Git Worktrees skill to set up an isolated workspace.
[Check .worktrees/ - exists]
[Verify .gitignore - contains .worktrees/]
[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: