Nested git repository detected, cannot use checkpoint feature

[hem951740-max]

Problem (one or two sentences)

Related to: #10125

1. Current behavior:

I expected to be able to successfully create a checkpoint.

2. Version: 3.39.3

3. The opened workspace folder is shown in the image:

"be" and "fe" are the frontend and backend of a separated frontend-backend project, each with their own independent git repository. I opened their common parent folder because I want Roo Code to be able to edit both my frontend and backend files simultaneously.

Context (who is affected and when)

Related to: #10125

1. Current behavior:

I expected to be able to successfully create a checkpoint.

2. Version: 3.39.3

3. The opened workspace folder is shown in the image:

"be" and "fe" are the frontend and backend of a separated frontend-backend project, each with their own independent git repository. I opened their common parent folder because I want Roo Code to be able to edit both my frontend and backend files simultaneously.

Reproduction steps

1. Create two git repositories A and B
2. Clone repositories A and B locally under the same parent folder C
3. Open parent folder C, enable checkpoints, and use Roo Code to edit files
4. Error message is shown:

Expected result

Be able to enable checkpoints when working under a parent folder (containing multiple git repositories)

Actual result

Error message: nested git repository detected

Variations tried (optional)

No response

App Version

3.39.3

API Provider (optional)

None

Model Used (optional)

No response

Roo Code Task Links (optional)

No response

Relevant logs or errors (optional)

[roomote]

I've analyzed this issue and understand the problem. This is related to issue #10125 which was closed requesting more details.

Problem Summary:
When opening a parent folder (without its own .git) that contains multiple sibling projects (e.g., frontend and backend), each with their own independent git repositories, the checkpoint feature incorrectly detects these as "nested" git repositories and blocks initialization.

Root Cause:
The getNestedGitRepository() method in ShadowCheckpointService.ts finds any .git/HEAD files in subdirectories and treats them as nested repositories, without checking if the workspace root itself has a .git directory.

Proposed Implementation Plan:

1. Modify the getNestedGitRepository() method in src/services/checkpoints/ShadowCheckpointService.ts to:

   • First check if the workspace root has its own .git directory
   • If the root has NO .git, return null (allow checkpoints) since subdirectory git repos are independent sibling projects, not truly nested
   • Only continue checking for nested repos when the root HAS a .git directory (true nesting scenario like git submodules)

2. Add a new test case in src/services/checkpoints/__tests__/ShadowCheckpointService.spec.ts to verify:

   • A workspace without root .git but with subdirectory git repos can initialize checkpoints successfully

Why this is safe:

• The shadow repository creates its own version control in the checkpoints directory (separate from workspace)
• Subdirectory .git folders are already excluded from tracking via the .git/ pattern in exclude patterns
• There is no conflict since each project manages its own git independently

This approach maintains backward compatibility:

• Projects with root .git and nested repos (like git submodules) still see the error
• Projects without root .git can now use checkpoints regardless of subdirectory git repos

Please mention @roomote in a comment saying that you approve this plan, and I'll proceed with the implementation.

[hem951740-max]

@roomote 同意实施

[roomote]

Thanks for the approval! I'll proceed with implementing the fix now. I'll open a PR to share progress shortly.

[roomote]

Opened a PR with my attempt at addressing this: #10637

The fix modifies the nested git repository detection to first check if the workspace root has its own .git directory. If no root .git exists, subdirectory git repos are treated as independent sibling projects (not nested), allowing checkpoints to work.

Feedback welcome!

[hannesrudolph]

Wrong repo, you are using kilo code. have you verified this is an issue in Roo Code?