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
Creates isolated git worktrees for feature work with automatic setup and safety checks. Used when starting new features that need isolation from the current workspace or before executing implementation plans.
/plugin marketplace add NickCrew/claude-ctx-plugin/plugin install nickcrew-claude-ctx@NickCrew/claude-ctx-pluginThis skill inherits all available tools. When active, it can use any tool Claude has access to.
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."
Follow this priority order:
# Check in 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/superpowers/worktrees/<project-name>/ (global location)
Which would you prefer?
MUST verify .gitignore before creating worktree:
# Check if directory pattern in .gitignore
grep -q "^\.worktrees/$" .gitignore || grep -q "^worktrees/$" .gitignore
If NOT in .gitignore:
Per Jesse's rule "Fix broken things immediately":
Why critical: Prevents accidentally committing worktree contents to repository.
No .gitignore verification needed - outside project entirely.
project=$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel)")
# 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"
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:
# 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.
Worktree ready at <full-path>
Tests passing (<N> tests, 0 failures)
Ready to implement <feature-name>
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
.worktrees/ exists | Use it (verify .gitignore) |
worktrees/ exists | Use it (verify .gitignore) |
| Both exist | Use .worktrees/ |
| Neither exists | Check CLAUDE.md → Ask user |
| Directory not in .gitignore | Add it immediately + commit |
| Tests fail during baseline | Report failures + ask |
| No package.json/Cargo.toml | Skip dependency install |
Skipping .gitignore verification
Assuming directory location
Proceeding with failing tests
Hardcoding setup commands
You: I'm using the using-git-worktrees skill to set up an isolated workspace.
[Check .worktrees/ - exists]
[Verify .gitignore - contains .worktrees/]
[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
Never:
Always:
Called by:
Pairs with:
This skill should be used when the user asks to "create a slash command", "add a command", "write a custom command", "define command arguments", "use command frontmatter", "organize commands", "create command with file references", "interactive command", "use AskUserQuestion in command", or needs guidance on slash command structure, YAML frontmatter fields, dynamic arguments, bash execution in commands, user interaction patterns, or command development best practices for Claude Code.
This skill should be used when the user asks to "create an agent", "add an agent", "write a subagent", "agent frontmatter", "when to use description", "agent examples", "agent tools", "agent colors", "autonomous agent", or needs guidance on agent structure, system prompts, triggering conditions, or agent development best practices for Claude Code plugins.
This skill should be used when the user asks to "create a hook", "add a PreToolUse/PostToolUse/Stop hook", "validate tool use", "implement prompt-based hooks", "use ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}", "set up event-driven automation", "block dangerous commands", or mentions hook events (PreToolUse, PostToolUse, Stop, SubagentStop, SessionStart, SessionEnd, UserPromptSubmit, PreCompact, Notification). Provides comprehensive guidance for creating and implementing Claude Code plugin hooks with focus on advanced prompt-based hooks API.