How to Use Git Worktree | Checkout Multiple Git Branches at Once

The video, presented by Duane from Kraken, focuses on the Git Worktree feature, which allows users to check out and work on multiple Git branches simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful in scenarios where a developer is working on a feature branch but needs to switch to a hotfix branch without losing progress or committing unfinished work.

Key Concepts and Features:

• Git Worktree: A core Git feature enabling the management of multiple working trees, allowing users to check out multiple branches at once without the risk of losing changes.
• Typical Workflow:
  • Listing Worktrees: Use Git Worktree list to view current worktrees.
  • Adding Worktrees: Create a new worktree for a branch using Git Worktree add, specifying a directory outside the main repository folder.
  • Removing Worktrees: Clean up by using Git Worktree remove to delete a worktree when it's no longer needed.

Practical Demonstration:

• The speaker demonstrates how to create and manage worktrees using both the command line and GitLens, a Visual Studio Code extension.
• command line Usage:
  • Creating worktrees in specified directories.
  • Checking the status of branches and ensuring the correct directory is active in the IDE.
• GitLens Integration:
  • Simplifies the process of managing worktrees through a graphical interface.
  • Users can create, view, and delete worktrees directly from the GitLens sidebar.

Important Tips:

• Always check which directory is active in your IDE when working with multiple branches.
• Use GitLens for easier management and visualization of worktrees, which helps avoid confusion about active branches and directories.

Conclusion:

The speaker emphasizes that Git Worktree can significantly enhance productivity for developers by allowing seamless switching between branches without the risk of losing changes.

Main Speaker:

• Duane, Developer Evangelist at Kraken.