Using Git Worktree to Manage Multiple Features Simultaneously
Aug 03, 2025 am 04:26 AM
Git worktree allows you to create an independent working directory for each feature branch, avoiding frequent switching and temporary code storage; 2. Use the git worktree add command to add the work tree, git worktree list to view the current work tree, and git worktree remove to clean up the completed branches; 3. Clearly named, avoid multiple checkouts of the same branch, and use it in combination with IDE multiple folders can improve efficiency - it saves space by sharing .git objects, making parallel development smoother, and is an efficient solution for multi-task Git operations.
If you're juggling multiple feature branches in Git—say, one for a UI update, another for a backend reflector, and maybe a hotfix—you've probably found yourself constantly switching branches with git checkout . That's where git worktree becomes a game-changer.
Instead of stashing or committing half-done work just to switch contexts, git worktree lets you have multiple working directories tied to the same repository. Each worktree is an isolated checkout of a different branch—no more switching, no more confusion.
What is a Git Worktree?
A worktree is a separate directory where you can check out a different branch without interfering with your main working tree. Think of it like having multiple tabs open in your IDE, each focused on a different task.
For example:
git worktree add ../my-feature-branch feature/login-flow
This creates a new folder ../my-feature-branch with the feature/login-flow branch checked out— independent of your main repo folder .
Why Use It?
- No more stashing : You can leave uncommitted changes in one worktree while working on another.
- Parallel development : Run tests or builds in one branch while coding in another.
- Clean context switching : Each feature lives in its own folder—great for IDEs or terminal sessions.
How to Use It Effectively
1. Add a Worktree for Each Feature
git worktree add ../feature/user-profile feature/user-profile git worktree add ../hotfix/critical-bug hotfix/critical-bug
Now you have two folders, each with a different branch checked out—no conflicts.
2. List Active Worktrees
git worktree list
Shows all your active workstrees—helpful to avoid clutter.
3. Remove When Done
Once a feature is merged:
git worktree remove ../feature/user-profile # Or force-remove if there are uncommitted changes git worktree remove --force ../feature/user-profile
Pro Tips
- Name your worktree directories clearly (
../feature/xyzor../wip/xyz) so you know what's what. - Some tools (like VS Code) auto-detect multiple workstrees if you open each folder separately—great for multi-project views.
- Avoid checking out the same branch in two workstrees—it can cause lock issues.
Just remember: each worktree is a full clone of the repo (but shares the .git objects), so disk usage is minimal. It's not a replacement for good branching strategy—but it makes multitasking way smoother.
Basically, if you're doing more than one thing at a time in Git, worktree removes the friction. Not magic—just smart.
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