name: using-git-worktrees
description: Use when starting feature work that needs isolation from current workspace or before executing implementation plans - creates isolated git worktrees with smart directory selection and safety verification

Using Git Worktrees

Core Principles

1. Systematic selection - Follow priority: existing dir > CLAUDE.md > ask user
2. Safety first - Always verify .gitignore for project-local worktrees
3. Clean baseline - Run tests before starting work

Announce: "I'm using the using-git-worktrees skill to set up an isolated workspace."

Quick Reference

Basic Workflow

# Check existing
ls -d .worktrees worktrees 2>/dev/null

# Verify gitignore (project-local only)
grep -q "^\.worktrees/$" .gitignore

# Create
git worktree add .worktrees/$BRANCH -b $BRANCH
cd .worktrees/$BRANCH

# Setup + verify
npm install  # or cargo build, pip install, etc.
npm test     # must pass before starting

Anti-Patterns

• ❌ Skipping .gitignore - Worktree contents pollute git status
• ❌ Assuming location - Always follow priority order
• ❌ Ignoring test failures - Can't distinguish new vs pre-existing bugs
• ❌ Hardcoding setup - Auto-detect from package.json, Cargo.toml, etc.

References

• Creation Steps - Full setup process with examples
• Safety Verification - .gitignore checks and directory selection

Related

• conductor - Design approval triggers worktree creation
• finishing-a-development-branch - Cleanup after work complete
• maestro-core - Plugin coordination context