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name: worktree-switch description: "Switch between git worktrees for parallel development. Use when working on multiple issues simultaneously." mcp_fallback: none category: worktree

Worktree Switch

Navigate between isolated worktree directories quickly.

When to Use

• Working on multiple issues
• Need to context switch without stashing
• Testing different branches side-by-side
• Comparing implementations

Quick Reference

Copy# List all worktrees
git worktree list

# Switch worktree (simple cd)
cd ../ProjectOdyssey-42-feature

# Verify current worktree
git worktree list | grep "*"

# Switch by issue number (script)
./scripts/switch_worktree.sh 42

Workflow

1. List worktrees - See all available worktrees and their paths
2. Navigate - cd to desired worktree directory
3. Verify - Check git branch to confirm you're on right branch
4. Work - Make changes, commit normally
5. Switch - Move to different worktree with simple cd

Common Patterns

Terminal Aliases

Copy# Add to ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc
alias wt='git worktree list'
alias wtcd='cd $(git worktree list | fzf | awk "{print \$1}")'

Tmux Sessions

Copy# Create persistent session per worktree
tmux new -s issue-42 -c ../ProjectOdyssey-42-feature

# Switch sessions
tmux attach -t issue-42

# List sessions
tmux list-sessions

Best Practices

• One worktree per issue (don't share branches)
• Use clear naming: <issue-number>-<description>
• Keep worktrees organized in parent directory
• Use terminal multiplexer (tmux/screen) for persistent sessions
• Clean up completed worktrees (see worktree-cleanup skill)

Limitations

• Each branch can only be checked out in ONE worktree
• Cannot be in worktree while removing it
• All worktrees share the same .git directory (some operations affect all)

References

• See worktree-create skill for creating worktrees
• See worktree-cleanup skill for removing worktrees
• worktree-strategy.md