using-git-worktrees

To create an isolated git worktree, the skill sets up a feature branch in a separate directory, either reusing local .worktrees folders or defaulting to a global location, ensuring your current workspace remains unaffected. It then runs automatic project setup steps to bring the worktree to a ready state.

A git worktree links a branch to a separate directory, allowing you to isolate feature work and test changes independently without affecting your current repository. You need this when you want to safely manage multiple branches or test features simultaneously without stashing current changes.

To prevent accidental commits of worktree contents, the skill enforces safety checks using git check-ignore. It validates that local worktree directories are properly ignored by git, or falls back to a safe global location outside the repository.

Yes, isolated git worktree creation honors project-specific directory preferences by checking CLAUDE.md specifications. It reuses existing local worktrees from .worktrees or worktrees directories when available, applying your chosen branching location for safe directory management.

Yes, you can automate project setup after creating a git worktree. The skill automatically runs language and tool-specific setup steps immediately after worktree creation, bringing the isolated development environment to a fully ready state for feature work.

The best way to manage branches safely is using isolated git worktrees. This approach separates feature work into distinct directories, enforcing git check-ignore validations to protect your current workspace and ensure changes are tested independently without disruption.