Parallel Branch
Open Git branches in separate VS Code windows using Git worktrees.
Features
- Open Branch in New Window – Pick any branch (local or remote) and open it in a new window. Creates a worktree automatically if one doesn't exist.
- Manage Worktrees – List all worktrees, open them in a new window, or remove them.
- Prune Worktrees – Clean up references to removed worktrees.
Installation
- Open VS Code (or Cursor)
- Press
Ctrl+Shift+X (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+X (macOS) to open Extensions
- Search for Parallel Branch
- Click Install
Or install from the command line:
code --install-extension AbbassJaber.parallel-branch
Usage
Open Branch in New Window
- Open the Command Palette (
Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P)
- Run Parallel Branch: Open Branch in New Window
- Select a branch from the list (local or remote)
- The branch opens in a new window, using a worktree if needed
Manage Worktrees
- Open the Command Palette
- Run Parallel Branch: Manage Worktrees
- Select a worktree to open or remove
Prune Worktrees
- Open the Command Palette
- Run Parallel Branch: Prune Worktrees
- Removed worktree references are cleaned up
Configuration
| Setting |
Description |
Default |
parallelBranch.worktreeFolderPattern |
Pattern for worktree folder names. Use {branch} as placeholder |
_wt_{branch} |
parallelBranch.openAfterCreate |
Open the worktree in a new window after creating it |
true |
parallelBranch.autoFetch |
Fetch remote branches before showing the branch list |
true |
Requirements
- Git 2.5+ (worktree support)
- VS Code ^1.85.0 (or Cursor)
License
MIT – see LICENSE for details.
| |
