Use when starting feature work that needs isolation from current workspace or before executing implementation plans
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 use-worktrees skill to set up an isolated workspace."
Follow this priority order:
ls -d .worktrees 2>/dev/null # Preferred (hidden)
ls -d worktrees 2>/dev/null # Alternative
If found: Use that directory. If both exist, .worktrees wins.
grep -i "worktree.*director" CLAUDE.md 2>/dev/null
If preference specified: Use it without asking.
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/autonome/worktrees/<project-name>/ (global location)
Which would you prefer?
MUST verify directory is ignored before creating worktree:
git check-ignore -q .worktrees 2>/dev/null || git check-ignore -q worktrees 2>/dev/null
If NOT ignored:
Why critical: Prevents accidentally committing worktree contents to repository.
No .gitignore verification needed - outside project entirely.
project=$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel)")
git worktree add "$path" -b "$BRANCH_NAME"
cd "$path"
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
Run tests to ensure worktree starts clean:
npm test / cargo test / pytest / go test ./...
If tests fail: Report failures, ask whether to proceed or investigate.
If tests pass: Report ready.
Worktree ready at <full-path>
Tests passing (<N> tests, 0 failures)
Ready to implement <feature-name>
Never:
Always:
Called by:
Pairs with: