Git & GitHub - Git Worktree

Using git worktree to manage multiple worktrees

Git worktree allows you to manage multiple working directories (worktrees) attached to a single repository. This is useful for working on multiple branches simultaneously without having to clone the repository multiple times. This guide covers how to set up and manage multiple worktrees using Git worktree.

Creating a Worktree

Step 1: Add a New Worktree

Use the git worktree add command followed by the path to the new worktree and the branch you want to check out:

# Add a new worktree for a feature branch
$ git worktree add /path/to/new-worktree feature-branch
                

Step 2: Navigate to the New Worktree

Navigate to the newly created worktree directory to start working on the specified branch:

# Navigate to the new worktree
$ cd /path/to/new-worktree
                

Managing Worktrees

Listing Worktrees

Use the git worktree list command to list all worktrees associated with the repository:

# List all worktrees
$ git worktree list
                

Removing a Worktree

To remove a worktree, use the git worktree remove command followed by the path to the worktree:

# Remove a worktree
$ git worktree remove /path/to/new-worktree
                

Pruning Worktrees

Over time, stale worktrees may accumulate. Use the git worktree prune command to clean up references to removed worktrees:

# Prune stale worktrees
$ git worktree prune
                

Using Worktrees for Parallel Development

Working on Multiple Branches

Worktrees allow you to work on multiple branches simultaneously without switching branches in a single working directory:

# Create worktrees for different branches
$ git worktree add /path/to/branch1 branch1
$ git worktree add /path/to/branch2 branch2

# Navigate to each worktree and start working
$ cd /path/to/branch1
# Work on branch1

$ cd /path/to/branch2
# Work on branch2
                

Testing Changes in Isolation

Use worktrees to test changes in isolation, ensuring that your main working directory remains unaffected:

# Create a worktree for testing
$ git worktree add /path/to/test-worktree test-branch

# Navigate to the test worktree and test changes
$ cd /path/to/test-worktree
# Test changes without affecting the main working directory
                

Best Practices

Follow these best practices when using Git worktree:

• Use Descriptive Directory Names: Name your worktree directories descriptively to easily identify their purpose.
• Keep Worktrees Updated: Regularly pull changes in each worktree to keep them in sync with the remote repository.
• Prune Stale Worktrees: Regularly prune stale worktrees to keep your repository clean and organized.
• Document Worktree Usage: Document the purpose and usage of each worktree to help team members understand their roles.

Summary

This guide covered how to use Git worktree to manage multiple worktrees, including creating, listing, removing, and pruning worktrees. Worktrees are a powerful feature that allow you to work on multiple branches simultaneously and manage large repositories more efficiently.