Git Worktrees

A worktree gives a branch its own working directory, so you can develop a feature without stashing or switching the main checkout. Treat them as short-lived: create one for a task, work in it, merge, remove it.

Default: a normal worktree

This is the recommended path for almost everything. It works in any regular clone (.git is a directory) with no special setup.

Branch or worktree?

• Branch — quick, in-place work you will finish before touching anything else. git checkout -b feature/my-thing main.
• Worktree — isolate the work in its own directory so the main checkout stays clean and usable in parallel. Prefer this when the work is non-trivial or you may need to jump back to main.

Create one

Raw git (portable, no setup):