name: create-feature-worktree
description: Automates the process of starting a new feature by committing staged changes (specs) to a new branch and creating a separate worktree.

Create Feature Worktree Skill

This skill helps you initialize a new feature development environment properly.

When to Use

Use this skill when you have:
1. Created a new spec or plan file.
2. Staged those files.
3. Want to implement the feature in a clean, isolated worktree without disturbing your current workspace.

Workflow

The skill provides a script to automate the git gymnastics required to move staged changes to a new branch and open a worktree.

1. Identify Branch Name

Determine the branch name from your spec file (e.g., 007-refactor-uds-file-transfer-server).

2. Run the Start Script

Execute the bundled script to create the branch, commit changes, and setup the worktree.

bash <path-to-feature-starter>/scripts/start_feature.sh <branch-name> "<commit-message>"

Example:

bash <path-to-feature-starter>/scripts/start_feature.sh 007-refactor-uds-file-transfer-server "docs: add spec for uds file transfer refactor"

3. Add Worktree to Workspace

After the script completes, add the new worktree directory to your current VS Code workspace.
1. Go to File > Add Folder to Workspace...
2. Select the new directory (usually ../<branch-name>).
3. This allows you to edit files in the feature branch while keeping the main workspace open for reference.

Manual Steps (Reference)

If the script fails or you prefer manual control:

1. Create and switch to new branch: git checkout -b my-feature
2. Commit staged changes: git commit -m "docs: add spec"
3. Return to main branch: git checkout master
4. Create worktree: git worktree add ../my-feature my-feature