Handoff is an environment change, so verify branch, ignored files and running services immediately afterward.
The decision behind the technique
A task may need the main IDE, a long-lived server or a local-only device after background exploration. The source branch can move cleanly while machine-local state may not.
Handoff is an environment change, so verify branch, ignored files and running services immediately afterward.
A practical step-by-step workflow
Use this sequence as a default, then tighten or expand it only when the evidence changes.
- Commit or clearly record the worktree state
- Perform the supported handoff
- Confirm path, branch and repository status
- Restore only the local services the task actually needs
Failure boundary and finish line
Do not assume ignored files or uncommitted sibling changes followed the handoff.
Finish when the next action, owner, evidence and stop condition are all explicit.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first?+
Commit or clearly record the worktree state
What is the main failure mode?+
Do not assume ignored files or uncommitted sibling changes followed the handoff.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Verify against the source
OpenAI worktree guidanceThis guide provides general information, not an OpenAI allowance promise or support decision. Your account and official pages govern actual usage, benefits and recovery times.