git worktree tools for ai coding agents

常见问题

• +Why do AI agents need git worktrees?

  Two agents in the same folder overwrite each other's edits. A worktree gives each agent its own folder and branch from the same repo, so they can work at the same time without colliding.

• +What do worktree tools solve?

  The chores around a worktree: naming the branch, picking a folder, copying .env files, sharing node_modules, giving each one its own ports or database, and cleaning up afterwards.

• +What do worktree tools not solve?

  Running and watching the agent, and reviewing what it changed. Most worktree CLIs stop once the folder is ready.

• +How is Pane different from a worktree CLI like Workz or Wtx?

  Workz makes a new worktree ready to run, and Wtx keeps a pool of worktrees ready to hand out. Pane does both of those jobs as part of creating a pane, then also runs the agent in a terminal there, shows its diff, and archives the worktree when you're done.

• +Do worktrees prevent all merge conflicts?

  No. They stop two agents editing the same files at the same moment. If two branches change the same lines, you still resolve that when you merge.

• +Should every agent get its own branch?

  For parallel work, yes. One branch per task makes it obvious which agent wrote what, and lets you throw away one attempt without touching the others.

• +Can I open worktrees in VS Code?

  Yes. A worktree is a normal folder, so you can open it in VS Code or any editor while the agent works there.

• +When are worktrees overkill?

  For one quick change in one checkout. They pay off as soon as two agents, or you and an agent, work on the same repo at once.

• +What is the difference between /worktrees and /worktree-tools?

  /worktrees explains how git worktrees work with agents, step by step. This page compares the tools that automate them.

• +Can Pane help with worktree cleanup?

  Yes. Archiving a pane removes its worktree after checking for uncommitted, untracked or unpushed work, and you can restore an archived pane later with its worktree recreated.

• +Are worktree tools complementary to Pane?

  Some are. Pane already copies .env files and hands each pane a block of ports, but if you need a separate database per worktree, a tool like Workz or Hyve adds that, and Pane can run it from its setup script.

• +What should Windows users watch for?

  Tools that assume tmux or a Unix shell. Wtx needs tmux for some features, for example. Also check where worktrees land: for a repo inside WSL they should be on the Linux filesystem, not on a Windows drive.