autowt: Simplify Git Worktree Setup and Cleanup

Overview

autowt is a command-line tool for managing Git worktrees with less manual setup. It helps developers create or switch worktrees, handle common environment tasks through configurable scripts, and clean up branches and worktrees.

It suits people who regularly work on multiple branches at once and want worktree commands to fit into their terminal workflow. Terminal automation and shell integration are optional; the project does not provide built-in integrations with issue trackers or hosting services.

Key Features

• Create a worktree for a branch with a short command.
• Switch between worktrees using an interactive terminal interface.
• Use shell integration to change directories in the current shell, or open a new terminal tab or window through supported terminal automation.
• Configure lifecycle scripts in .autowt.toml to handle tasks around worktree creation and cleanup.
• Clean up worktrees for merged branches or branches associated with closed pull or merge requests, when configured.
• Define custom commands that call external tools, such as an issue-tracker CLI.

Use Cases

• Developers handling several features or fixes in parallel can keep separate branches in separate worktrees.
• Teams that need consistent dependency setup or environment-file copying can configure lifecycle scripts rather than repeat those steps manually.
• Developers using an issue tracker’s CLI can add custom commands to create worktrees from ticket details.
• Contributors who frequently finish branches can use configured cleanup for merged work or closed pull and merge requests.

Project Facts

• Language: Python
• License: MIT
• Stars: 83
• Forks: 6
• Topics: none listed
• Archived: No

Getting Started

Install with Homebrew, then create a worktree from within a Git repository:

brew tap irskep/tap
brew trust irskep/tap
brew install autowt
autowt my-new-feature

See the README and full documentation for shell integration and configuration details.

Considerations

• Requires Git 2.5 or later.
• Terminal automation and shell integration are alternatives; shell integration is needed to change directories in the current shell.
• Custom issue-tracker behavior depends on external command-line tools and user configuration. autowt does not include special Linear or GitHub integration.
• The repository lists 83 stars and 6 forks; these counts alone do not establish project maturity.