feat: add wt.symlink config and --symlink flag#164
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k1LoW merged 1 commit intok1LoW:mainfrom Mar 28, 2026
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Add support for symlinking directories instead of copying when creating new worktrees. This is useful for large directories like node_modules where sharing the same files across worktrees is acceptable and much faster than copying. Symlink patterns use gitignore syntax and match top-level directories. Matching directories are symlinked to the source worktree, so changes in the source are immediately visible in all worktrees that symlink it. Usage: git config --add wt.symlink "node_modules/" git wt my-branch --symlink "node_modules/" Non-matching directories are still copied normally. Files at the root level are never symlinked, only directories.
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@ryoppippi GREAT!! Thank you!! |
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Summary
wt.symlinkgit config and--symlinkCLI flag for symlinking directories instead of copyingUse case
Large directories like
node_modules(5.9GB+, 265K+ files) take ~21s even withclonefile. Symlinking is instantaneous:git config --add wt.symlink "node_modules/"Trade-off: symlinked directories are shared —
npm installin one worktree affects all others. Use this when the directory is read-only or rebuilt by hooks.Test plan
TestCopyFilesToWorktree_Symlink— verifies symlink is created, target is correct, files accessible through symlink, non-symlink files copied normallyTestCopyFilesToWorktree_Symlink_NonMatchingDir— verifies only matching directories are symlinked, others are copied