branch-setup

Creating an isolated git worktree involves automating directory discovery, feature branch creation, .gitignore validation, and dependency installation. This skill manages that setup to protect your main branch from in-progress changes.

The best way to protect the main branch is using an isolated git worktree on a feature branch. This separates in-progress changes, installs dependencies independently, and runs baseline tests to ensure a clean starting state.

Yes, the worktree setup automatically detects common project types including npm, cargo, pip, and poetry, installing the appropriate dependencies within the isolated feature branch directory.

You verify a clean baseline test suite by running tests immediately after worktree creation and dependency installation. The skill executes this check and provides actionable guidance if any baseline tests fail before coding begins.

You need to validate .gitignore for a new git worktree during the setup process. The skill verifies that the worktree directory is properly git-ignored and automatically updates the .gitignore file if needed.

Worktree creation requires DoR sign-off to ensure the story is fully prepared before implementation begins. This aligns the isolated environment setup with project readiness criteria and enables a smooth handoff to the implementation plan.