Can I use this for existing branches or only new ones?

The skill supports both; you can create a new worktree for an entirely new branch or check out an existing branch into a dedicated worktree for parallel development.

How does this skill handle worktrees with submodules?

The skill automatically applies the --force flag during removal operations and runs cleanup commands, bypassing the standard Git restrictions that often block submodule worktree deletion.

Where are the worktrees created by default?

By default, worktrees are placed in a .worktrees/ subfolder within your current repository to keep your file system organized, though sibling directory placement is also supported.

Does this skill help with repository clutter?

Yes, it maintains repository hygiene by ensuring worktree folders are added to your .gitignore and running 'git worktree prune' after every removal to delete stale metadata.

Worktree Manager

Name: Worktree Manager
Author: jamesyorke

byjamesyorke

0•

Developer Tools

Simplifies Git worktree management by automating the creation, cleanup, and organization of parallel branch workspaces.

The Worktree Manager skill enables Claude to handle complex Git worktree operations with safety and consistency, allowing developers to work on multiple branches simultaneously without the overhead of stashing or switching contexts. It automates the creation of worktrees using smart placement strategies—defaulting to organized subfolders—and ensures repository hygiene by automatically updating .gitignore and pruning stale references. By handling edge cases like submodule-heavy repositories and forced removals, this skill transforms manual Git plumbing into a streamlined, AI-driven workflow for high-velocity development.

Key Features

010 GitHub stars

02Smart placement strategies supporting both hidden subfolders and sibling directory structures

03Safe removal protocols featuring submodule support and automatic reference pruning

04Comprehensive troubleshooting for common Git worktree errors and stale references

05Interactive worktree creation with automated branch naming and directory mapping

06Automatic .gitignore maintenance to prevent local worktrees from appearing in version control

Use Cases

01Reviewing and testing multiple Pull Requests in parallel local environments

02Managing large-scale repositories where submodule dependencies complicate standard branch switching

03Switching between feature development and urgent hotfixes without losing uncommitted progress

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add jamesyorke/worktree-agent-skill worktree-manager

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill