Worktrees vs stashing decision in Git - Quick Revision & Key Differences

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a Git worktree?

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

beginner

What does 'git stash' do?

Git stash temporarily saves your uncommitted changes so you can switch branches or work on something else without committing those changes.

intermediate

When should you use a worktree instead of stashing?

Use a worktree when you want to work on multiple branches at the same time with separate folders, avoiding the need to stash and unstash changes repeatedly.

intermediate

What is a limitation of using git stash?

Git stash only saves changes temporarily and can be forgotten or lost if not applied; it also requires switching back and forth between branches to apply changes.

intermediate

How does using worktrees improve workflow?

Worktrees let you keep multiple branches checked out in different folders, so you can test or develop features side-by-side without interrupting your main work.

What is the main benefit of using git worktrees?

A Work on multiple branches at the same time in separate folders

B Temporarily save changes without committing

C Delete branches safely

D Merge branches automatically

Git worktrees allow you to have multiple working directories for different branches simultaneously.

What happens when you run 'git stash'?

A A new branch is created

B Your branch is deleted

C Your changes are saved temporarily and removed from the working directory

D Your repository is cloned

Git stash saves your uncommitted changes temporarily and clears them from your current working directory.

Which scenario is best suited for using git stash?

A Quickly saving changes before switching branches

B Working on two branches at the same time

C Creating a new repository

D Deleting untracked files

Git stash is ideal for temporarily saving changes to switch branches quickly.

What is a downside of relying only on git stash?

A It creates multiple folders automatically

B Changes can be forgotten or lost if not reapplied

C It merges branches without conflicts

D It commits changes permanently

Stashed changes are temporary and can be lost if not applied back to the working directory.

How do git worktrees affect your file system?

A They delete your current folder

B They merge all branches into one folder

C They compress your repository

D They create additional folders for each checked-out branch

Git worktrees create separate folders so you can work on different branches simultaneously.

Explain when you would choose to use git worktrees instead of git stash.

Think about how you manage multiple tasks or projects at once.

Describe the main purpose of git stash and a limitation you should be aware of.

Consider stash like a temporary drawer for your work.