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What is Worktree?

It is a structure that allows you to work on different versions of a project simultaneously without changing the same project folder.

Overview

Worktree allows you to open different branches of a project in separate folders without disrupting your main workspace while developing software. For example, while developing a feature in the main project, you can simultaneously fix an old bug in another folder. This eliminates the time loss and confusion caused by constantly switching branches.

Analogy: It is like keeping two different books open on separate desks while working on them at the same time; you don't have to bother flipping pages to switch from one to the other.

How it works

You add a new worktree via version control systems like Git. The system links a copy of the project to a different directory for you, and you continue working there without touching the main directory.

Where it is used

It is used in complex software projects in situations where urgent bug fixes are required during long-running feature developments.

Commonly confused with

It is not the same as just copying folders; worktrees are connected to the same Git repository and work in synchronization with each other.

Frequently asked questions

Why don't we just copy separate folders?

Copying wastes disk space and makes managing Git history difficult; worktree, on the other hand, is much more efficient.

Does it work in every Git project?

Yes, this feature is supported in all modern Git versions.

Related terms

Related tools

This explanation was written in plain language for TreScout and machine-translated from the Turkish original · the Turkish version prevails. If something looks wrong or missing, write to hello@trescout.com. Read in Turkish →