Git Worktree

Git’s Worktree is a powerful tool that allows you to check out multiple branches simultaneously in the same repository. It’s especially useful when you need to work on multiple features, bug fixes, or perform code reviews without having to switch branches or clone repositories constantly.

In this article, we’ll explore what Git Worktrees are, how they work, and how you can use them to enhance your productivity in multi-branch development.

What is Git Worktree?

A Git Worktree allows you to have multiple working directories in the same repository. Each Worktree is an independent checkout of a branch that you can work on simultaneously without affecting other branches. This feature is particularly valuable when you need to:

• Work on multiple branches simultaneously.
• Test or experiment with changes without disrupting your main working directory.
• Perform code reviews while still actively working on another feature.

By using Git Worktrees, you can avoid the overhead of constantly switching branches or creating temporary clones of your repository.

Why Use Git Worktree?

Here are some of the key benefits of using Git Worktree:

• Efficient Multi-Branch Development: You can check out multiple branches at the same time, making it easy to switch between them without having to constantly stash or commit changes.
• Isolated Workspaces: Each Worktree is independent, allowing you to work on separate branches without affecting the main working directory.
• Simplified Context Switching: Instead of cloning repositories or frequently switching branches, you can easily switch between Worktrees to maintain different environments.
• Parallel Development: If you’re working on several features or bug fixes at once, you can use Worktrees to manage these tasks in parallel.

How to Set Up and Use Git Worktree?

Step 1: Creating a New Worktree

To create a new worktree, use the following command:

git Worktree add <path> <branch>

• <path>: The directory where the new Worktree will be created.
• <branch>: The branch to check out in the new Worktree. If the branch doesn’t exist, Git will create it for you.

Example:

git Worktree add ../feature-branch feature-branch

In this example, a new Worktree is created in the directory ../feature-branch, and the branch feature-branch is checked out in that directory.

You can now navigate to the newly created directory and start working on that branch independently from the main repository.

Step 2: Listing All Worktrees

You can list all active Worktrees associated with your repository using:

git Worktree list

This command shows each Worktree’s path, branch, and status, helping you keep track of multiple Worktrees.

Example:

/path/to/main  [main]
/path/to/feature-branch  [feature-branch]

Step 3: Removing a Worktree

Once you’re done with a Worktree, you can remove it using:

git Worktree remove <path>

This command deletes the Worktree directory and cleans up any related references.

Example:

git Worktree remove ../feature-branch

This command removes the Worktree located at ../feature-branch and detaches the branch from the Worktree.

Common Use Cases for Git Worktree

• Working on Multiple Features Simultaneously: You can have separate Worktrees for each feature branch, allowing you to work on them in parallel without frequent branch switching.
• Quick Hotfixes: If you need to quickly create a hotfix branch while working on another feature, you can create a Worktree for the hotfix branch without interrupting your ongoing work.
• Testing and Experimentation: Create a Worktree for experimental changes, allowing you to test ideas without impacting your main branch.
• Code Reviews: If you’re performing code reviews, you can check out the pull request branch in a separate Worktree while keeping your main development branch active.

Best Practices for Using Git Worktree

• Use Clear and Descriptive Directory Names: When creating Worktrees, use meaningful directory names that reflect the branch or purpose of the Worktree (e.g., feature-authentication).
• Monitor Active Worktrees: Regularly check your active Worktrees using git Worktree list to avoid clutter and keep track of all ongoing work.
• Clean Up Worktrees When Done: Remove Worktrees that are no longer needed to avoid confusion and keep your environment organized.
• Avoid Conflicts by Using Separate Worktrees: If you anticipate conflicts between branches, using separate Worktrees can help isolate the changes and avoid issues.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Error: Worktree Already Exists: If you try to create a Worktree in a directory that already exists, you’ll get an error. Ensure that the directory you specify is empty or doesn’t exist before running the git Worktree add command.
• Error: Branch is Already Checked Out: Git doesn’t allow a branch to be checked out in multiple Worktrees simultaneously. If you try to create a Worktree for a branch that’s already checked out in another Worktree, you’ll see an error. In this case, you should either use a different branch or remove the existing Worktree.