using-jj-workspaces

Creates isolated jj workspaces as sibling directories for parallel sub-agent development.

Updated May 4, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/antstanley/skills --skill using-jj-workspaces-antstanley
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: using-jj-workspaces
Source: https://github.com/antstanley/skills/tree/main/plugins/jj-workspaces/skills/using-jj-workspaces
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/antstanley/skills --skill using-jj-workspaces-antstanley

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Parallel feature work and sub-agent dispatch in a jj (jujutsu) repository need isolated working copies, but git-worktree instructions produce the wrong kind of isolation in jj-managed repos, breaking revision semantics and multi-workspace coordination. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Workspace Creation with Clean Baselines: Runs jj new before jj workspace add so each workspace branches from a stable revision, then installs dependencies and verifies a green test baseline before handoff. - Git-Worktree Interception: Detects jj repos via jj workspace root and transparently translates git-worktree instructions (git worktree add → jj workspace add) from other skills into jj equivalents. - Sub-Agent Parallel Workflow: Spins up one workspace per dispatched sub-agent so agents iterate independently and merge back through jj's revision graph with jj rebase or multi-parent jj new. - Use Case: A team lead dispatches three sub-agents to implement separate features in a jj repo; each gets its own sibling workspace with a verified passing test suite, and their revisions are merged back without branch ceremony. ## Quick Start Set up an isolated jj workspace for the auth feature with a clean baseline and verified passing tests.

Frequently Asked Questions about using-jj-workspaces

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I create a jj workspace for parallel development?▼

Run `jj new` first to establish a clean base revision, then `jj workspace add ../<repo>-<name>` to create the workspace as a sibling directory. Enter it, install dependencies, and run the test suite once to verify a green baseline before starting work.

What is the difference between jj workspaces and git worktrees?▼

jj workspaces are tied to revisions rather than branches, auto-snapshot the working copy on every command, and all appear together in `jj log`. Git worktrees lock branches and lack jj's revision semantics, so they break multi-workspace coordination in jj repos.

Can I use jj workspaces in a plain git repository?▼

Not directly. Either run `jj git init --colocate` to adopt the existing git repo in place, or fall back to git worktrees. The detection command `jj workspace root` determines which path applies.

How do I fix a stale working copy error in jj?▼

Run `jj workspace update-stale` to resync files to the current operation's working-copy commit. jj preserves prior state as an automatic recovery commit when needed, so never force-reset.

Why does jj workspace list still show a deleted workspace?▼

Deleting the directory alone leaves the workspace registered. Run `jj workspace forget <name>` in addition to `rm -rf <path>`; both steps are required or the ghost entry persists in `jj workspace list` and `jj log`.