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git-branch-cleanup

Remove merged or deleted git branches while protecting critical ones.

2|Updated Jun 2, 2024
Search Tags:#git#version control#safety#repository management#branch cleanup
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/magnusrodseth/dotfiles --skill git-branch-cleanup-magnusrodseth
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: git-branch-cleanup
Source: https://github.com/magnusrodseth/dotfiles/tree/main/.claude/skills/git-branch-cleanup
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/magnusrodseth/dotfiles --skill git-branch-cleanup-magnusrodseth

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a safe way to remove stale and merged local git branches without risking the deletion of important branches, protecting the current branch, default branch, and any worktree-checked-out branch.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Safely Delete Merged Branches: Identifies and removes local branches that are already merged, squash/rebase-merged, or whose remote was deleted.
  • Protect Critical Branches: Ensures the current branch, default branch, and any worktree-checked-out branch are never deleted.
  • Classification & Review: Lists branches that are merged but need further confirmation before deletion.
  • Pruning: Optionally performs a git fetch --prune to accurately detect remote branches that have been deleted.

Quick Start

Use the git-branch-cleanup skill to safely remove stale branches. First, run the fetch command to ensure all information is up to date:

bash scripts/cleanup-branches.sh --fetch

Review the list of branches and re-run the script with --force to remove them:

bash scripts/cleanup-branches.sh --force

Frequently Asked Questions about git-branch-cleanup

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I safely delete merged git branches without removing important ones?▼

To safely delete merged git branches, use a script that targets squash or rebase-merged branches while explicitly protecting the current, default, and worktree-checked-out branches from removal.

What is the best way to clean up stale local git branches after remote deletion?▼

The best way to clean up stale local git branches is to run a fetch --prune command first to detect deleted remote branches, then review the classified list and execute a forced cleanup to remove them locally.

Does git branch cleanup protect the default and currently checked out branches?▼

Yes, git branch cleanup safeguards the default branch, the current branch, and any worktree-checked-out branch. It ensures these critical branches are never deleted during the stale branch removal process.

Can I identify squash or rebase-merged branches for deletion in git?▼

Yes, you can identify squash or rebase-merged branches for deletion using a branch cleanup script. It classifies these branches alongside standard merged ones, listing them for your review before you force the removal.

What are the limitations of automated git branch removal?▼

Automated git branch removal requires a basic understanding of git operations to interpret script output. It also requires explicit confirmation to delete classified branches, protecting against accidental loss of unmerged work.

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