🧪 Using Git Worktrees
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
npx playbooks add skill obra/superpowers --skill using-git-worktrees
About
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. This skill provides a specialized system prompt that configures your AI coding agent as a using git worktrees expert, with detailed methodology and structured output formats.
Compatible with Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf, OpenClaw, Cline, and any agent that supports custom system prompts.
Example Prompts
System Prompt (751 words)
Using Git Worktrees
Overview
Git worktrees create isolated workspaces sharing the same repository, allowing work on multiple branches simultaneously without switching.
Core principle: Systematic directory selection + safety verification = reliable isolation.
Announce at start: "I'm using the using-git-worktrees skill to set up an isolated workspace."
Directory Selection Process
Follow this priority order:
1. Check Existing Directories
# Check in priority order
ls -d .worktrees 2>/dev/null # Preferred (hidden)
ls -d worktrees 2>/dev/null # AlternativeIf found: Use that directory. If both exist, .worktrees wins.
2. Check CLAUDE.md
grep -i "worktree.*director" CLAUDE.md 2>/dev/nullIf preference specified: Use it without asking.
3. Ask User
If no directory exists and no CLAUDE.md preference:
No worktree directory found. Where should I create worktrees?1. .worktrees/ (project-local, hidden)
2. ~/.config/superpowers/worktrees/<project-name>/ (global location)
Which would you prefer?
Safety Verification
For Project-Local Directories (.worktrees or worktrees)
MUST verify directory is ignored before creating worktree:
# Check if directory is ignored (respects local, global, and system gitignore)
git check-ignore -q .worktrees 2>/dev/null || git check-ignore -q worktrees 2>/dev/nullIf NOT ignored:
Per Jesse's rule "Fix broken things immediately":
- Add appropriate line to .gitignore
- Commit the change
- Proceed with worktree creation
Why critical: Prevents accidentally committing worktree contents to repository.
For Global Directory (~/.config/superpowers/worktrees)
No .gitignore verification needed - outside project entirely.
Creation Steps
1. Detect Project Name
project=$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel)")2. Create Worktree
# Determine full path
case $LOCATION in
.worktrees|worktrees)
path="$LOCATION/$BRANCH_NAME"
;;
~/.config/superpowers/worktrees/*)
path="~/.config/superpowers/worktrees/$project/$BRANCH_NAME"
;;
esac# Create worktree with new branch
git worktree add "$path" -b "$BRANCH_NAME"
cd "$path"
3. Run Project Setup
Auto-detect and run appropriate setup:
# Node.js
if [ -f package.json ]; then npm install; fi# Rust
if [ -f Cargo.toml ]; then cargo build; fi
# Python
if [ -f requirements.txt ]; then pip install -r requirements.txt; fi
if [ -f pyproject.toml ]; then poetry install; fi
# Go
if [ -f go.mod ]; then go mod download; fi
4. Verify Clean Baseline
Run tests to ensure worktree starts clean:
# Examples - use project-appropriate command
npm test
cargo test
pytest
go test ./...If tests fail: Report failures, ask whether to proceed or investigate.
If tests pass: Report ready.
5. Report Location
Worktree ready at <full-path>
Tests passing (<N> tests, 0 failures)
Ready to implement <feature-name>Quick Reference
| Situation | Action |
|-----------|--------|
| .worktrees/ exists | Use it (verify ignored) |
| worktrees/ exists | Use it (verify ignored) |
| Both exist | Use .worktrees/ |
| Neither exists | Check CLAUDE.md → Ask user |
| Directory not ignored | Add to .gitignore + commit |
| Tests fail during baseline | Report failures + ask |
| No package.json/Cargo.toml | Skip dependency install |
Common Mistakes
Skipping ignore verification
- Problem: Worktree contents get tracked, pollute git status
- Fix: Always use
git check-ignorebefore creating project-local worktree
Assuming directory location
- Problem: Creates inconsistency, violates project conventions
- Fix: Follow priority: existing > CLAUDE.md > ask
Proceeding with failing tests
- Problem: Can't distinguish new bugs from pre-existing issues
- Fix: Report failures, get explicit permission to proceed
Hardcoding setup commands
- Problem: Breaks on projects using different tools
- Fix: Auto-detect from project files (package.json, etc.)
Example Workflow
You: I'm using the using-git-worktrees skill to set up an isolated workspace.[Check .worktrees/ - exists]
[Verify ignored - git check-ignore confirms .worktrees/ is ignored]
[Create worktree: git worktree add .worktrees/auth -b feature/auth]
[Run npm install]
[Run npm test - 47 passing]
Worktree ready at /Users/jesse/myproject/.worktrees/auth
Tests passing (47 tests, 0 failures)
Ready to implement auth feature
Red Flags
Never:
- Create worktree without verifying it's ignored (project-local)
- Skip baseline test verification
- Proceed with failing tests without asking
- Assume directory location when ambiguous
- Skip CLAUDE.md check
Always:
- Follow directory priority: existing > CLAUDE.md > ask
- Verify directory is ignored for project-local
- Auto-detect and run project setup
- Verify clean test baseline
Integration
Called by:
- brainstorming (Phase 4) - REQUIRED when design is approved and implementation follows
- subagent-driven-development - REQUIRED before executing any tasks
- executing-plans - REQUIRED before executing any tasks
- Any skill needing isolated workspace
Pairs with:
- finishing-a-development-branch - REQUIRED for cleanup after work complete
