| name | using-git-worktrees |
| description | Git worktrees create isolated workspaces sharing the same repository, allowing work on multiple branches simultaneously without switching. |
| type | skill |
| created | 2026-02-27T00:00:00.000Z |
| domain | software-development |
| category | devtools |
| risk | critical |
| source | community |
| tags | ["skill","software-development","devtools","using","git","worktrees"] |
Using Git Worktrees
Overview
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."
Directory Selection Process
Follow this priority order:
1. Check Existing Directories
ls -d .worktrees 2>/dev/null
ls -d worktrees 2>/dev/null
If found: Use that directory. If both exist, .worktrees wins.
2. Check CLAUDE.md
grep -i "worktree.*director" CLAUDE.md 2>/dev/null
If preference specified: Use it without asking.
3. Ask User
If no directory exists and no CLAUDE.md preference:
No worktree directory found. Where should I create worktrees?
1. .worktrees/ (project-local, hidden)
2. ~/.config/superpowers/worktrees/<project-name>/ (global location)
Which would you prefer?
Safety Verification
For Project-Local Directories (.worktrees or worktrees)
MUST verify directory is ignored before creating worktree:
git check-ignore -q .worktrees 2>/dev/null || git check-ignore -q worktrees 2>/dev/null
If NOT ignored:
Per Jesse's rule "Fix broken things immediately":
- Add appropriate line to .gitignore
- Commit the change
- Proceed with worktree creation
Why critical: Prevents accidentally committing worktree contents to repository.
For Global Directory (~/.config/superpowers/worktrees)
No .gitignore verification needed - outside project entirely.
Creation Steps
1. Detect Project Name
project=$(basename )