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vzakharov
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branch-rename

Renames auto-generated session branches to semantic slugs derived from the PR or branch diff.

Updated Nov 17, 2025
Search Tags:#git#pull request#workflow automation#github#gh cli#semantic naming#branch rename
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/vzakharov/vovazakharov.com --skill branch-rename-vzakharov
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: branch-rename
Source: https://github.com/vzakharov/vovazakharov.com/tree/main/.claude/skills/branch-rename
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/vzakharov/vovazakharov.com --skill branch-rename-vzakharov

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Harness-assigned git branches like claude/relaxed-brown-EhDOB carry no meaning, making it hard to identify work in remote listings or PR queues. This Skill renames the current branch to a semantic claude/<task-slug>-<hash> name while preserving the original random suffix. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Semantic Re-slugging: Derives a short task slug from the current PR or branch diff and swaps it for the opaque adjective-noun portion of the branch name. - Idempotency Check: Detects branches that are already semantically named and stops, unless explicitly invoked with the force token to re-slug a drifted branch. - PR Lifecycle Handling: Detects an open PR before renaming, warns that renaming closes it, opens a replacement PR on the new branch, and closes the orphaned PR with a cross-linking comment. - Use Case: Mid-session on claude/relaxed-brown-EhDOB, invoke /branch-rename to rename it to something like claude/fix-auth-redirect-EhDOB before opening a PR, keeping the remote branch list readable. ## Quick Start Ask the assistant to run /branch-rename to rename the current auto-generated branch to a semantic name based on the current diff.

Frequently Asked Questions about branch-rename

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I rename an auto-generated claude branch to a semantic name?▼

Invoke /branch-rename with no arguments. It inspects the current branch, derives a short task slug from the PR or branch diff, and renames the branch to claude/<slug>-<hash> while keeping the original random suffix.

How do I rename a git branch that already has an open pull request?▼

Renaming a branch with an open PR closes that PR because GitHub does not retarget it. The skill checks for an existing PR first, opens a fresh PR on the renamed branch, and closes the old PR with a comment linking the replacement.

Can I force a rename of a branch that already has a semantic name?▼

Yes, but only by explicitly invoking /branch-rename force, optionally with a slug. A bare invocation on an already-semantic branch reports that no rename is needed and stops, preventing accidental re-slugging.

What happens if deleting the old remote branch fails after renaming?▼

If git push origin --delete fails, for example with an HTTP 403 in a sandboxed proxy, the old ref lingers and its PR stays open. The skill then explicitly closes the old PR via gh pr close or the GitHub MCP update_pull_request tool with a link to the replacement.

Does the branch rename skill ask for confirmation before renaming?▼

No. Invoking the skill is itself the authorization to rename, so it executes without prompting even when a PR is open or the session pinned the branch. It reports what it did afterward, including any closed PR numbers.

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