Removing worktrees in Git - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a Git worktree?

A Git worktree is an additional working directory linked to the same Git repository, allowing you to work on multiple branches simultaneously without switching branches in one directory.

beginner

How do you list all existing Git worktrees?

Use the command git worktree list to see all worktrees connected to your repository.

beginner

What is the command to remove a Git worktree safely?

Use git worktree remove <path> to safely remove a worktree at the specified path. This deletes the worktree directory and unregisters it from Git.

intermediate

What happens if you manually delete a Git worktree directory without using Git commands?

Manually deleting the directory leaves Git unaware of the removal, causing git worktree list to still show it. This can cause confusion or errors later.

intermediate

Why should you use git worktree remove instead of just deleting the folder?

Because git worktree remove cleans up Git's internal records and safely deletes the worktree folder, preventing stale references and potential repository issues.

Which command lists all Git worktrees?

A git worktree list

B git worktree show

C git list worktrees

D git worktree status

The correct command to list all worktrees is git worktree list.

What does git worktree remove <path> do?

A Removes the worktree directory and unregisters it from Git

B Only deletes the worktree directory but keeps Git records

C Switches the current branch to the worktree branch

D Creates a new worktree at the given path

This command safely removes the worktree folder and updates Git to forget about it.

What risk comes from deleting a worktree folder manually?

A Git will create a new worktree automatically

B The repository will be deleted

C Branches will be merged automatically

D Git still thinks the worktree exists, causing stale references

Manual deletion leaves Git unaware, so it still lists the worktree, which can cause confusion.

Can you remove the main worktree with git worktree remove?

A Yes, but only if you are on the master branch

B No, the main worktree cannot be removed this way

C Yes, it removes the main worktree safely

D No, you must delete it manually

The main worktree is the main repository folder and cannot be removed with this command.

What is the first step before removing a worktree?

A Switch to the main branch in the worktree

B Delete the .git folder inside the worktree

C Make sure no processes are using the worktree directory

D Run git fetch

You should ensure no programs or terminals are using the worktree folder before removal.

Explain how to safely remove a Git worktree and why it is important.

Think about what happens inside Git when you remove a worktree.

Describe what a Git worktree is and how it helps in working with branches.

Imagine having multiple folders for different tasks in the same project.