Git Worktrees

grüt is worktree-first — designed from the ground up for developers who use multiple working directories. Create, switch, and manage worktrees without leaving the TUI.

grüt

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What Are Worktrees?

Git worktrees let you check out multiple branches simultaneously in separate directories, all backed by the same repository. Instead of stashing changes and switching branches, you open a new worktree and work in parallel.

grüt makes worktrees a first-class citizen. The worktree panel shows every linked worktree, and switching between them is instant.

Configuration

Enable worktree-first navigation in your grut.toml:

[git]
worktree_first = true

With worktree_first = true, branch operations default to creating new worktrees rather than checking out branches in the current directory. This keeps your working tree clean and avoids interrupting in-progress work.

The Worktree Panel

The worktree panel lists all worktrees linked to the current repository. Each entry shows:

• Branch name — the branch checked out in that worktree
• Directory path — the filesystem location of the worktree
• Status — clean, modified, or conflict indicators

Keybindings

Worktree Panel

Creating a Worktree

Press n in the worktree panel. grüt prompts for:

1. Branch name — an existing branch or a new branch to create.
2. Directory path — where to place the worktree on disk.

After creation, grüt automatically navigates to the new worktree. The file tree, git status, and terminal all update to reflect the new working directory.

# Equivalent git command:
git worktree add ../feature-auth feature/auth

Switching Worktrees

Press Enter on any worktree entry to switch to it. grüt reloads the entire interface for the new worktree — file tree, status panel, commit log, and terminal all reflect the switched context.

Independent Environments

Each worktree operates as a fully independent environment within grüt:

• File tree — shows only the files in that worktree's directory
• Git status — tracks changes specific to that worktree's branch
• Terminal — cwd is set to the worktree's directory
• Commit log — shows the history of the checked-out branch

Removing a Worktree

Press x to remove the selected worktree. grüt runs git worktree remove and cleans up the directory. You cannot remove the main worktree or a worktree with uncommitted changes — commit or stash first.