# Start Branch

> Create a new git branch and worktree from an up-to-date base branch. Takes a branch name and optional base branch (defaults to develop, falls back to main). Use when the user asks to "start a branch", "create a branch", "new branch", "start working on X", or wants to set up a fresh worktree for new work.

- Skill: `andrewjmorrell/start-branch` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add andrewjmorrell/start-branch`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/andrewjmorrell/start-branch/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: andrewjmorrell (https://skillmd.com/u/andrewjmorrell)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/andrewjmorrell/start-branch

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# Start Branch

Creates a new git branch and worktree from an up-to-date base branch. Ensures the base branch is fetched and current before branching.

## When This Skill Applies

This skill activates when the user wants to:
- Create a new feature branch and worktree
- Start working on a new task from a clean base
- Set up an isolated worktree for new development

## How to Execute

Invoke the `/start_branch` command with a branch name and optional base branch:

```
/start_branch my-feature              # Branch from develop (or main if develop doesn't exist)
/start_branch my-feature release/2.0  # Branch from a specific base branch
```