# Branch > Create branches with intelligent naming patterns. Use when creating a new git branch. Use when this capability is needed. - Skill: `tomevault-io/branch-4` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/branch-4` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/branch-4/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Coding & Dev Tools - Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/branch-4 --- # /branch ## Usage ```bash # Create branch with intelligent naming /branch user-dashboard → Creates feature/user-dashboard branch # From ticket patterns /branch JIRA-123 → Creates feature/jira-123 branch # Fix patterns /branch fix-auth-bug → Creates fix/auth-bug branch # Interactive mode (no arguments) /branch → Context-aware analysis and recommendations ``` ## Description Create git branches with intelligent naming patterns based on context and description. Analyzes input to determine appropriate branch type and name, then executes git operations directly. ## Expected Output Direct execution workflow for efficient branch creation: 1. **Context Analysis**: Analyze description to determine branch type and naming pattern 2. **Branch Creation**: Execute git commands with intelligent naming 3. **Basic Setup**: Switch to new branch and confirm creation ## Behavior ### Intelligent Pattern Recognition Apply context-aware naming automatically: ```yaml Ticket Patterns: - JIRA-123 → feature/jira-123 - GH-456 → feature/gh-456 - BUG-789 → fix/bug-789 - HOTFIX-101 → hotfix/hotfix-101 Feature Patterns: - user-dashboard → feature/user-dashboard - api-integration → feature/api-integration - performance-opt → enhancement/performance-opt - auth-system → feature/auth-system Fix Patterns: - fix-auth-bug → fix/auth-bug - bugfix-login → fix/login-issue - auth-bug → fix/auth-bug - data-corruption → hotfix/data-corruption Experimental Patterns: - experiment-* → experiment/* - poc-* → experiment/* - test-* → experiment/* ``` ### Branch Type Detection Determine branch type from input patterns: ```yaml Feature Branch Indicators: - No prefix or "feature-" prefix - Ticket numbers (JIRA-*, GH-*, etc.) - Component names (dashboard, api, auth) Fix Branch Indicators: - "fix", "bugfix", "bug" in description - "BUG-" ticket prefix - Issue-related keywords Hotfix Branch Indicators: - "hotfix" prefix - "critical", "urgent" keywords - Production issue references Enhancement Branch Indicators: - "enhancement", "improve", "optimize" - Performance-related terms - "refactor", "cleanup" keywords Experimental Branch Indicators: - "experiment", "poc", "test" - "prototype", "spike" keywords - Research and exploration terms ``` ### Direct Execution Flow Execute branch creation with minimal overhead: 1. **Input Analysis** - Parse description for type and naming hints - Check for existing branch conflicts - Determine appropriate prefix and format 2. **Name Generation** - Apply intelligent naming patterns - Sanitize input (lowercase, replace spaces/special chars) - Add appropriate prefix based on type - Handle conflicts with timestamp suffix if needed 3. **Git Operations** ```bash # Check current repository state git status --porcelain # Handle uncommitted changes if needed git stash push -m "Auto-stash before branch creation" # Switch to main branch (with fallback to master) git checkout main 2>/dev/null || git checkout master # Pull latest changes with rebase to keep history clean (FAIL if unable) git pull --rebase || { echo "ERROR: Cannot fetch latest main. Branch creation aborted."; exit 1; } # Create and switch to new branch from updated main git checkout -b # Confirm creation git branch --show-current ``` 4. **Confirmation** - Display created branch name - Show current branch status - Provide next steps guidance ### Interactive Mode When no arguments provided: 1. **Repository Analysis** - Check recent commits for context - Examine current branch and uncommitted changes - Scan for open issues or common patterns 2. **Suggestion Generation** - Suggest branch types based on recent activity - Provide naming templates for common patterns - Offer guided branch creation 3. **User Selection (MANDATORY PAUSE)** - Present categorized options - **MANDATORY**: Use the `AskUserQuestion` tool to present branch type options - Allow custom input with pattern assistance - WAIT for user selection before creating branch - Apply selected pattern and create branch ### Error Handling Handle common scenarios gracefully: ```yaml Uncommitted Changes: - Check git status - Auto-stash with descriptive message - Proceed with branch creation - Remind user about stashed changes Naming Conflicts: - Detect existing branch with same name - Append timestamp: feature/user-dashboard-20250109-143052 - Confirm with user before proceeding Network Issues: - FAIL with clear error message - Explain that branch must be based on latest remote main - Suggest checking network connectivity - Provide manual commands to retry when network is available Permission Issues: - FAIL with clear error message - Report specific permission problems - Suggest solutions (SSH key, authentication) - Do NOT provide fallback local-only workflow ``` ### Branch Name Sanitization Clean and format branch names: ```yaml Sanitization Rules: - Convert to lowercase - Replace spaces with hyphens - Remove special characters except hyphens - Trim leading/trailing hyphens - Limit length to 50 characters - Ensure valid git branch name format Examples: - "User Dashboard Feature" → "feature/user-dashboard-feature" - "Fix Auth Bug!!!" → "fix/auth-bug" - "API Integration - Phase 1" → "feature/api-integration-phase-1" - "JIRA-1234: User Management" → "feature/jira-1234-user-management" ``` ## Success Criteria Simple and effective branch creation: - Branch created with appropriate intelligent naming - User switched to new branch successfully - Clear confirmation of branch creation - Guidance for next steps provided - Minimal execution time and complexity ## Command Philosophy Transform branch creation from manual naming decisions to intelligent, context-aware automation while maintaining simplicity and speed. Focus on direct execution rather than complex orchestration. ```yaml Direct Execution Benefits: - Fast branch creation (seconds, not minutes) - Clear, predictable naming patterns - Minimal system overhead - Easy to understand and debug - Consistent behavior across environments Key Capabilities Preserved: - Intelligent naming based on context - Pattern recognition for different branch types - Conflict resolution with fallback naming - Interactive mode for guidance - Error handling for common scenarios ``` --- > Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/damilola-elegbede-org) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.