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name: dev-branch-isolation description: Prepare isolated git branches or worktrees for software-development tasks. Use before larger coding work when a clean branch, worktree, baseline verification, or separation from existing user changes is needed. category: development

Dev Branch Isolation

Use this skill when larger work should be isolated from the current tree.

Workflow

1. Inspect current branch and git status --short.
2. Identify unrelated user changes and leave them untouched.
3. Prefer an ordinary branch for small or medium tasks.
4. Use a worktree only when parallel work, long-running experiments, or risky changes justify it.
5. Verify project setup in the isolated branch/worktree before coding.
6. Record the base branch and worktree path if created.

Guardrails

• Do not run destructive git commands.
• Do not move user changes into a new branch unless asked.
• Do not create worktrees inside ignored build output.
• Do not delete a worktree or branch without explicit instruction.