Parallel Worktrees

Parallel Worktrees

Zero dead time. While one session runs tests, work on something else.

Trigger

Use when waiting on tests, long builds, exploring approaches, or needing to review and develop simultaneously.

Quick Start

Claude Code:

claude --worktree    # or claude -w (auto-creates isolated worktree)

Cursor / Any editor:

git worktree add ../project-feat feature-branch
# Open the new worktree folder in a second editor window

Both approaches create an isolated working copy where changes don't interfere with your main session.

Claude Code Extras

These features are Claude Code-specific (skip if using Cursor):

• claude -w auto-creates and cleans up worktrees
• Subagents support isolation: worktree in agent frontmatter
• Ctrl+F kills all background agents (two-press confirmation)
• Ctrl+B sends a task to background

Workflow

1. Show current worktrees: git worktree list
2. Create a worktree for the parallel task.
3. Open a new editor/terminal session in the worktree.
4. When done, clean up the worktree.

Commands

git worktree list