{"title":"git worktree","description":null,"content":"Creating multiple working environments from a single repository can feel like magic, but it’s really just the power of `git worktree`. \n\nThis command provides a way to check out multiple branches simultaneously, allowing developers to work on features or fixes in isolation without needing to switch branches constantly. The flexibility of `git worktree` opens up new workflows that can enhance productivity and streamline collaboration.\n\n---\n\n# What is Git Worktree?\n\n`git worktree` is a command that allows you to create additional working trees associated with a single Git repository. This means you can have multiple directories checked out from different branches of the same repository at the same time.\n\nThis is particularly useful when:\n\n- You need to work on multiple features simultaneously.\n- You want to test changes on different branches without the overhead of managing multiple clones of the repository.\n- You want to simplify the process of switching between branches.\n\nUnderstanding `git worktree` requires a grasp of how Git manages its directory structure and how it treats branches and working directories.\n\n---\n\n# How Git Worktree Works\n\nTo see how `git worktree` functions, let's first take a look at the structure of a typical Git repository.\n\nWhen you clone a repository, the `.git` directory contains all the metadata about the repository, including branches, commit history, and configuration. In a standard setup, you have a single working directory that reflects the currently checked-out branch.\n\nWhen you create a worktree, Git adds a new directory that references the same `.git` directory, but it will check out a different branch in that new directory. This allows you to work on different features or fixes in isolation while using the same underlying repository.\n\n### Creating a Worktree\n\nTo create a new worktree, you use the following command:\n\n\n```shell\ngit worktree add \n```\n\n\n- `` specifies where the new working directory will be created.\n- `` is the branch you want to check out in the new working tree.\n\n#### Example\n\nSuppose you are working on a feature branch called `feature-x`, and you want to create a worktree for a bug fix on the `main` branch. You can do this:\n\n\n```shell\ngit worktree add ../main-fix main\n```\n\n\nThis command creates a new directory called `main-fix` one level up from your current directory. In this new directory, the `main` branch will be checked out, allowing you to work on the bug fix independently.\n\n\n> **NOTE**\n>\n> When you create a worktree, it is based on the last commit of the specified branch. Any changes made in that worktree do not affect the original branch until you commit those changes and merge them back.\n\n\n---\n\n# Managing Worktrees\n\nOnce you have created worktrees, you may want to manage them effectively. Here are some key commands and practices for working with `git worktree`.\n\n### Listing Worktrees\n\nTo see a list of all active worktrees in your repository, use:\n\n\n```shell\ngit worktree list\n```\n\n\nThis will show you a simple list of all worktrees along with their paths and the branches they are checked out to. The output might look like this:\n\n\n```javascript\n/path/to/repo 1234567 [main]\n/path/to/repo/../main-fix 89abcdef [main]\n```\n\n\n### Removing a Worktree\n\nIf you no longer need a worktree, you can remove it using:\n\n\n```shell\ngit worktree remove \n```\n\n\nMake sure that all changes in that worktree are committed or discarded before removing it. This command cleans up the directory and removes references to the worktree from Git.\n\n#### Example\n\nTo remove the `main-fix` worktree:\n\n\n```shell\ngit worktree remove ../main-fix\n```\n\n\n### Checking Out Different Branches\n\nIf you need to check out a different branch in an existing worktree, you can do so with:\n\n\n```shell\ngit checkout \n```\n\n\nMake sure you are in the worktree directory where you want to switch branches. This is a straightforward way to quickly switch focus without creating a new worktree.\n\n---\n\n# Real-World Use Cases for Git Worktree\n\nUnderstanding the practical applications of `git worktree` can help you integrate it into your workflow seamlessly. Here are some scenarios where worktrees shine.\n\n### Feature Development and Bug Fixes\n\nImagine you are developing a new feature on the `feature-y` branch. You encounter a bug in the `main` branch that needs immediate attention. Instead of switching back and forth, you can create a worktree for `main`:\n\n\n```shell\ngit worktree add ../main-fix main\n```\n\n\nThis allows you to fix the bug in the `main` branch while continuing to work on `feature-y` in the original directory.\n\n### Testing New Features\n\nSuppose you want to test a new feature from a branch called `feature-z`, which is dependent on changes in the `main` branch. You can create a worktree for `feature-z` while having the latest `main` checked out in another worktree.\n\n\n```shell\ngit worktree add ../feature-z-worktree feature-z\n```\n\n\nThis enables you to test the feature against the latest code in `main` without affecting your ongoing work.\n\n### Collaboration with Team Members\n\nWhen working in a team, you might need to review a colleague's work on a specific branch. By creating a worktree for that branch, you can quickly test and provide feedback without disturbing your local development environment.\n\n\n```shell\ngit worktree add ../colleague-feature colleague-feature\n```\n\n\n---\n\n# Common Gotchas and Best Practices\n\nWhile `git worktree` is powerful, there are a few nuances to keep in mind to avoid common pitfalls.\n\n### Detached HEAD State\n\nWhen you create a worktree from a branch that hasn’t been merged, you might find yourself in a detached HEAD state if you check out a specific commit instead of a branch. Always make sure you are working on branches to avoid losing your commits.\n\n### Clean Up After Use\n\nRemember to clean up worktrees you no longer need. Leaving unused worktrees can clutter your filesystem and lead to confusion later on.\n\n### Branch Management\n\nAvoid creating worktrees for branches that already have an associated worktree. Git won't allow this, and you'll receive an error message. Use `git worktree list` to check existing worktrees before adding new ones.\n\n---\n\nNow that you understand how to manage multiple working directories with `git worktree`, you are ready to explore Git Submodules. \n\nIn the next chapter, we will look at how submodules can help you manage dependencies in your project while maintaining clean boundaries between codebases.","pageType":"git"}

git worktree

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