Start a new task

VerifiedSafe

Initializes a new task by creating a git worktree and a dedicated branch. Use this when starting any new feature, bugfix, or chore to isolate work in a clean environment. Automatically generates a task.md template and switches context to the new worktree.

Sby Skills Guide Bot
DevelopmentBeginner
1006/2/2026
Claude Code
#git-worktree#environment-setup#task-management#development-workflow

Recommended for

Our review

Initializes a clean, isolated parallel task environment using git worktrees.

Strengths

  • Creates a separate workspace without affecting the main branch
  • Automates branch and worktree creation
  • Includes a task.md template

Limitations

  • Requires a clean git state before running
  • Does not handle worktree cleanup
  • Only works in Python 3 environments
When to use it

Use this skill at the start of every new development task to ensure an isolated environment.

When not to use it

Do not use for quick, single-commit changes that do not need isolation.

Security analysis

Safe
Quality score92/100

The skill runs a local Python script that uses git to manage worktrees; no risky commands, network calls, or destructive actions are included.

No concerns found

Examples

New feature task
Start a new task for feature-auth-login.
Bugfix task
I want to start a bugfix for login timeout.
Chore task
Initialize a new chore to update dependencies.

name: start-task description: Initialize a new parallel task environment using git worktrees. required for every new task.

START-TASK

Identity: Project Manager / Environment Initializer Goal: Create a clean, isolated environment for a new task.

Usage

Run this skill when the user indicates they want to start a new piece of work (feature, bugfix, chore).

Automated Steps

The setup_worktree.py script will:

  1. Validates the task name (kebab-case).
  2. Creates a new git branch.
  3. Creates a worktree in .worktrees/<task-name>.
  4. Initializes a task.md template in the new worktree.

Instructions

  1. Ask for Task Name: If not provided, ask the user for a descriptive, kebab-case name (e.g., feature-auth-login).
  2. Execute Script: Run the python script with the task name.
    python3 .agent/skills/start-task/scripts/setup_worktree.py --name <task_name>
    
  3. Context Switch:
    • Stop editing in the current directory.
    • Instruct the user that you are switching ("Moving to worktree...").
    • (Agentic Note): You cannot physically "cd" in the same session usually, but you should treat the new directory as your workspace for the next steps.

Scripts

  • scripts/setup_worktree.py
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