This flow shows how git creates a new linked working directory (worktree) for a branch, allowing parallel work.
Execution Sample
Git
git worktree add ../feature-branch feature
cd ../feature-branch
git status
Creates a new worktree for 'feature' branch outside main repo and checks its status.
Process Table
Step
Command
Action
Result
1
git worktree add ../feature-branch feature
Create new worktree directory and link branch
Directory '../feature-branch' created with 'feature' branch checked out
2
cd ../feature-branch
Change directory to new worktree
Current directory is '../feature-branch'
3
git status
Check git status in new worktree
Shows branch 'feature' and clean working tree
4
exit
End of demonstration
Worktree ready for independent work
💡 Worktree created and ready; user can work independently on 'feature' branch
Status Tracker
Variable
Start
After Step 1
After Step 2
After Step 3
Final
Current Directory
/main-repo
/main-repo
../feature-branch
../feature-branch
../feature-branch
Branches Linked
main branch only
main + feature (worktree)
main + feature (worktree)
main + feature (worktree)
main + feature (worktree)
Git Status
On main branch
On feature branch (new worktree)
On feature branch (new worktree)
On feature branch (new worktree)
On feature branch (new worktree)
Key Moments - 3 Insights
Why does git create a new directory when adding a worktree?
Because each worktree is a separate folder with its own checked-out branch, as shown in execution_table step 1 where '../feature-branch' is created.
Can I work on the new branch without affecting the main repo?
Yes, the new worktree is independent but linked, so changes in the new directory do not affect the main repo until you commit and push, as seen in step 3 git status.
What happens if I switch directories without creating a worktree?
You would be in the same repo and branch, not independent. The worktree command creates a separate directory for parallel work, shown in step 2.
Visual Quiz - 3 Questions
Test your understanding
Look at the execution table, what is the result of step 1?
ADirectory '../feature-branch' created with 'feature' branch checked out
BChanged directory to '../feature-branch'
CGit status shows main branch
DWorktree removed
💡 Hint
Check the 'Result' column in step 1 of the execution_table
At which step does the current directory change to the new worktree?
AStep 1
BStep 2
CStep 3
DStep 4
💡 Hint
Look at the 'Action' column for directory changes in execution_table
If you skip 'git worktree add' and just change directory, what would happen?
AYou get a new independent worktree
BGit creates a new branch automatically
CYou stay in the main repo without a new worktree
DGit deletes the main repo
💡 Hint
Refer to key_moments question 3 about directory switching without worktree creation
Concept Snapshot
git worktree add <path> <branch>
Creates a new linked working directory for <branch> at <path>.
Allows working on multiple branches simultaneously.
Each worktree is independent but shares repo data.
Switch directories to work in different branches.
Use git worktree list to see all worktrees.
Full Transcript
Creating a git worktree means making a new folder linked to your main repository where you can work on a different branch independently. You run 'git worktree add' with a path and branch name. Git then creates that folder and checks out the branch there. You can switch to that folder and work as usual without affecting your main repo folder. This lets you work on multiple branches at once without switching branches in the same folder. The execution steps show creating the worktree, changing directory, and checking status. Variables like current directory and branch status update accordingly. Common confusions include why a new folder is needed and how worktrees keep work separate but linked. The quiz checks understanding of these steps and effects. Remember, worktrees help you multitask in git safely and easily.