worktree.md

Set up git worktrees for parallel development on multiple branches simultaneously.

Steps

1. Verify the current repository is not a bare clone: git rev-parse --is-bare-repository.
2. List existing worktrees with git worktree list and display them.
3. If creating a new worktree:
   • Accept a branch name argument (required) and optional base branch (defaults to main).
   • Determine the worktree path: ../<repo-name>-<branch-name>.
   • Create it: git worktree add ../<repo-name>-<branch> -b <branch> <base>.
4. Copy essential config files that are gitignored (.env, .env.local) if they exist.
5. Run the package manager install in the new worktree directory.
6. Print the worktree path and instructions for switching to it.
7. If removing a worktree, run git worktree remove <path> and git worktree prune.

Format

Worktree created:
  Path:   /absolute/path/to/worktree
  Branch: feature/my-branch
  Base:   main

Next: cd /absolute/path/to/worktree

Rules

• Never create a worktree inside the current repository directory.
• Always check that the branch name does not already exist before creating.
• Warn if there are more than 5 active worktrees (potential cleanup needed).
• Do not delete worktrees that have uncommitted changes without confirmation.