Merge pull request #168 from AutoMaker-Org/feature/cards-in-worktrees

feat: add branch card counts to UI components

apps/app/src/components/session-manager.tsx

@@ -1,12 +1,7 @@
 "use client";
 
 import { useState, useEffect } from "react";
-import {
+import { Card, CardContent, CardHeader, CardTitle } from "@/components/ui/card";
-  Card,
-  CardContent,
-  CardHeader,
-  CardTitle,
-} from "@/components/ui/card";
 import { Button } from "@/components/ui/button";
 import { HotkeyButton } from "@/components/ui/hotkey-button";
 import { Input } from "@/components/ui/input";
@@ -116,8 +111,10 @@ export function SessionManager({
     new Set()
   );
   const [isDeleteDialogOpen, setIsDeleteDialogOpen] = useState(false);
-  const [sessionToDelete, setSessionToDelete] = useState<SessionListItem | null>(null);
+  const [sessionToDelete, setSessionToDelete] =
-  const [isDeleteAllArchivedDialogOpen, setIsDeleteAllArchivedDialogOpen] = useState(false);
+    useState<SessionListItem | null>(null);
+  const [isDeleteAllArchivedDialogOpen, setIsDeleteAllArchivedDialogOpen] =
+    useState(false);
 
   // Check running state for all sessions
   const checkRunningSessions = async (sessionList: SessionListItem[]) => {
@@ -234,11 +231,7 @@ export function SessionManager({
     const api = getElectronAPI();
     if (!editingName.trim() || !api?.sessions) return;
 
-    const result = await api.sessions.update(
+    const result = await api.sessions.update(sessionId, editingName, undefined);
-      sessionId,
-      editingName,
-      undefined
-    );
 
     if (result.success) {
       setEditingSessionId(null);

apps/app/src/components/ui/branch-autocomplete.tsx

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ interface BranchAutocompleteProps {
   value: string;
   onChange: (value: string) => void;
   branches: string[];
+  branchCardCounts?: Record<string, number>; // Map of branch name to unarchived card count
   placeholder?: string;
   className?: string;
   disabled?: boolean;
@@ -19,6 +20,7 @@ export function BranchAutocomplete({
   value,
   onChange,
   branches,
+  branchCardCounts,
   placeholder = "Select a branch...",
   className,
   disabled = false,
@@ -28,12 +30,22 @@ export function BranchAutocomplete({
   // Always include "main" at the top of suggestions
   const branchOptions: AutocompleteOption[] = React.useMemo(() => {
     const branchSet = new Set(["main", ...branches]);
-    return Array.from(branchSet).map((branch) => ({
+    return Array.from(branchSet).map((branch) => {
-      value: branch,
+      const cardCount = branchCardCounts?.[branch];
-      label: branch,
+      // Show card count if available, otherwise show "default" for main branch only
-      badge: branch === "main" ? "default" : undefined,
+      const badge = branchCardCounts !== undefined
-    }));
+        ? String(cardCount ?? 0)
-  }, [branches]);
+        : branch === "main" 
+          ? "default" 
+          : undefined;
+      
+      return {
+        value: branch,
+        label: branch,
+        badge,
+      };
+    });
+  }, [branches, branchCardCounts]);
 
   return (
     <Autocomplete

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view.tsx

@@ -270,6 +270,17 @@ export function BoardView() {
     fetchBranches();
   }, [currentProject, worktreeRefreshKey]);
 
+  // Calculate unarchived card counts per branch
+  const branchCardCounts = useMemo(() => {
+    return hookFeatures.reduce((counts, feature) => {
+      if (feature.status !== "completed") {
+        const branch = feature.branchName ?? "main";
+        counts[branch] = (counts[branch] || 0) + 1;
+      }
+      return counts;
+    }, {} as Record<string, number>);
+  }, [hookFeatures]);
+
   // Custom collision detection that prioritizes columns over cards
   const collisionDetectionStrategy = useCallback((args: any) => {
     // First, check if pointer is within a column
@@ -302,14 +313,14 @@ export function BoardView() {
         });
 
         if (matchesRemovedWorktree) {
-          // Reset the feature's branch assignment
+          // Reset the feature's branch assignment - update both local state and persist
-          persistFeatureUpdate(feature.id, {
+          const updates = { branchName: null as unknown as string | undefined };
-            branchName: null as unknown as string | undefined,
+          updateFeature(feature.id, updates);
-          });
+          persistFeatureUpdate(feature.id, updates);
         }
       });
     },
-    [hookFeatures, persistFeatureUpdate]
+    [hookFeatures, updateFeature, persistFeatureUpdate]
   );
 
   // Get in-progress features for keyboard shortcuts (needed before actions hook)
@@ -418,6 +429,18 @@ export function BoardView() {
     hookFeaturesRef.current = hookFeatures;
   }, [hookFeatures]);
 
+  // Use a ref to track running tasks to avoid effect re-runs that clear pendingFeaturesRef
+  const runningAutoTasksRef = useRef(runningAutoTasks);
+  useEffect(() => {
+    runningAutoTasksRef.current = runningAutoTasks;
+  }, [runningAutoTasks]);
+
+  // Keep latest start handler without retriggering the auto mode effect
+  const handleStartImplementationRef = useRef(handleStartImplementation);
+  useEffect(() => {
+    handleStartImplementationRef.current = handleStartImplementation;
+  }, [handleStartImplementation]);
+
   // Track features that are pending (started but not yet confirmed running)
   const pendingFeaturesRef = useRef<Set<string>>(new Set());
 
@@ -485,8 +508,9 @@ export function BoardView() {
         }
 
         // Count currently running tasks + pending features
+        // Use ref to get the latest running tasks without causing effect re-runs
         const currentRunning =
-          runningAutoTasks.length + pendingFeaturesRef.current.size;
+          runningAutoTasksRef.current.length + pendingFeaturesRef.current.size;
         const availableSlots = maxConcurrency - currentRunning;
 
         // No available slots, skip check
@@ -541,6 +565,10 @@ export function BoardView() {
 
         // Start features up to available slots
         const featuresToStart = eligibleFeatures.slice(0, availableSlots);
+        const startImplementation = handleStartImplementationRef.current;
+        if (!startImplementation) {
+          return;
+        }
 
         for (const feature of featuresToStart) {
           // Check again before starting each feature
@@ -566,7 +594,7 @@ export function BoardView() {
           }
 
           // Start the implementation - server will derive workDir from feature.branchName
-          const started = await handleStartImplementation(feature);
+          const started = await startImplementation(feature);
 
           // If successfully started, track it as pending until we receive the start event
           if (started) {
@@ -580,7 +608,7 @@ export function BoardView() {
 
     // Check immediately, then every 3 seconds
     checkAndStartFeatures();
-    const interval = setInterval(checkAndStartFeatures, 3000);
+    const interval = setInterval(checkAndStartFeatures, 1000);
 
     return () => {
       // Mark as inactive to prevent any pending async operations from continuing
@@ -592,7 +620,8 @@ export function BoardView() {
   }, [
     autoMode.isRunning,
     currentProject,
-    runningAutoTasks,
+    // runningAutoTasks is accessed via runningAutoTasksRef to prevent effect re-runs
+    // that would clear pendingFeaturesRef and cause concurrency issues
     maxConcurrency,
     // hookFeatures is accessed via hookFeaturesRef to prevent effect re-runs
     currentWorktreeBranch,
@@ -601,7 +630,6 @@ export function BoardView() {
     isPrimaryWorktreeBranch,
     enableDependencyBlocking,
     persistFeatureUpdate,
-    handleStartImplementation,
   ]);
 
   // Use keyboard shortcuts hook (after actions hook)
@@ -640,7 +668,9 @@ export function BoardView() {
   // Find feature for pending plan approval
   const pendingApprovalFeature = useMemo(() => {
     if (!pendingPlanApproval) return null;
-    return hookFeatures.find((f) => f.id === pendingPlanApproval.featureId) || null;
+    return (
+      hookFeatures.find((f) => f.id === pendingPlanApproval.featureId) || null
+    );
   }, [pendingPlanApproval, hookFeatures]);
 
   // Handle plan approval
@@ -666,10 +696,10 @@ export function BoardView() {
         if (result.success) {
           // Immediately update local feature state to hide "Approve Plan" button
           // Get current feature to preserve version
-          const currentFeature = hookFeatures.find(f => f.id === featureId);
+          const currentFeature = hookFeatures.find((f) => f.id === featureId);
           updateFeature(featureId, {
             planSpec: {
-              status: 'approved',
+              status: "approved",
               content: editedPlan || pendingPlanApproval.planContent,
               version: currentFeature?.planSpec?.version || 1,
               approvedAt: new Date().toISOString(),
@@ -688,7 +718,14 @@ export function BoardView() {
         setPendingPlanApproval(null);
       }
     },
-    [pendingPlanApproval, currentProject, setPendingPlanApproval, updateFeature, loadFeatures, hookFeatures]
+    [
+      pendingPlanApproval,
+      currentProject,
+      setPendingPlanApproval,
+      updateFeature,
+      loadFeatures,
+      hookFeatures,
+    ]
   );
 
   // Handle plan rejection
@@ -715,11 +752,11 @@ export function BoardView() {
         if (result.success) {
           // Immediately update local feature state
           // Get current feature to preserve version
-          const currentFeature = hookFeatures.find(f => f.id === featureId);
+          const currentFeature = hookFeatures.find((f) => f.id === featureId);
           updateFeature(featureId, {
-            status: 'backlog',
+            status: "backlog",
             planSpec: {
-              status: 'rejected',
+              status: "rejected",
               content: pendingPlanApproval.planContent,
               version: currentFeature?.planSpec?.version || 1,
               reviewedByUser: true,
@@ -737,7 +774,14 @@ export function BoardView() {
         setPendingPlanApproval(null);
       }
     },
-    [pendingPlanApproval, currentProject, setPendingPlanApproval, updateFeature, loadFeatures, hookFeatures]
+    [
+      pendingPlanApproval,
+      currentProject,
+      setPendingPlanApproval,
+      updateFeature,
+      loadFeatures,
+      hookFeatures,
+    ]
   );
 
   // Handle opening approval dialog from feature card button
@@ -748,7 +792,7 @@ export function BoardView() {
       // Determine the planning mode for approval (skip should never have a plan requiring approval)
       const mode = feature.planningMode;
       const approvalMode: "lite" | "spec" | "full" =
-        mode === 'lite' || mode === 'spec' || mode === 'full' ? mode : 'spec';
+        mode === "lite" || mode === "spec" || mode === "full" ? mode : "spec";
 
       // Re-open the approval dialog with the feature's plan data
       setPendingPlanApproval({
@@ -833,6 +877,7 @@ export function BoardView() {
         }}
         onRemovedWorktrees={handleRemovedWorktrees}
         runningFeatureIds={runningAutoTasks}
+        branchCardCounts={branchCardCounts}
         features={hookFeatures.map((f) => ({
           id: f.id,
           branchName: f.branchName,
@@ -929,6 +974,7 @@ export function BoardView() {
         onAdd={handleAddFeature}
         categorySuggestions={categorySuggestions}
         branchSuggestions={branchSuggestions}
+        branchCardCounts={branchCardCounts}
         defaultSkipTests={defaultSkipTests}
         defaultBranch={selectedWorktreeBranch}
         currentBranch={currentWorktreeBranch || undefined}
@@ -944,6 +990,7 @@ export function BoardView() {
         onUpdate={handleUpdateFeature}
         categorySuggestions={categorySuggestions}
         branchSuggestions={branchSuggestions}
+        branchCardCounts={branchCardCounts}
         currentBranch={currentWorktreeBranch || undefined}
         isMaximized={isMaximized}
         showProfilesOnly={showProfilesOnly}
@@ -1065,15 +1112,24 @@ export function BoardView() {
         onOpenChange={setShowDeleteWorktreeDialog}
         projectPath={currentProject.path}
         worktree={selectedWorktreeForAction}
+        affectedFeatureCount={
+          selectedWorktreeForAction
+            ? hookFeatures.filter(
+                (f) => f.branchName === selectedWorktreeForAction.branch
+              ).length
+            : 0
+        }
         onDeleted={(deletedWorktree, _deletedBranch) => {
           // Reset features that were assigned to the deleted worktree (by branch)
           hookFeatures.forEach((feature) => {
             // Match by branch name since worktreePath is no longer stored
             if (feature.branchName === deletedWorktree.branch) {
-              // Reset the feature's branch assignment
+              // Reset the feature's branch assignment - update both local state and persist
-              persistFeatureUpdate(feature.id, {
+              const updates = {
                 branchName: null as unknown as string | undefined,
-              });
+              };
+              updateFeature(feature.id, updates);
+              persistFeatureUpdate(feature.id, updates);
             }
           });
 

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/dialogs/add-feature-dialog.tsx

@@ -73,6 +73,7 @@ interface AddFeatureDialogProps {
   }) => void;
   categorySuggestions: string[];
   branchSuggestions: string[];
+  branchCardCounts?: Record<string, number>; // Map of branch name to unarchived card count
   defaultSkipTests: boolean;
   defaultBranch?: string;
   currentBranch?: string;
@@ -87,6 +88,7 @@ export function AddFeatureDialog({
   onAdd,
   categorySuggestions,
   branchSuggestions,
+  branchCardCounts,
   defaultSkipTests,
   defaultBranch = "main",
   currentBranch,
@@ -115,11 +117,16 @@ export function AddFeatureDialog({
   const [enhancementMode, setEnhancementMode] = useState<
     "improve" | "technical" | "simplify" | "acceptance"
   >("improve");
-  const [planningMode, setPlanningMode] = useState<PlanningMode>('skip');
+  const [planningMode, setPlanningMode] = useState<PlanningMode>("skip");
   const [requirePlanApproval, setRequirePlanApproval] = useState(false);
 
   // Get enhancement model, planning mode defaults, and worktrees setting from store
-  const { enhancementModel, defaultPlanningMode, defaultRequirePlanApproval, useWorktrees } = useAppStore();
+  const {
+    enhancementModel,
+    defaultPlanningMode,
+    defaultRequirePlanApproval,
+    useWorktrees,
+  } = useAppStore();
 
   // Sync defaults when dialog opens
   useEffect(() => {
@@ -133,7 +140,13 @@ export function AddFeatureDialog({
       setPlanningMode(defaultPlanningMode);
       setRequirePlanApproval(defaultRequirePlanApproval);
     }
-  }, [open, defaultSkipTests, defaultBranch, defaultPlanningMode, defaultRequirePlanApproval]);
+  }, [
+    open,
+    defaultSkipTests,
+    defaultBranch,
+    defaultPlanningMode,
+    defaultRequirePlanApproval,
+  ]);
 
   const handleAdd = () => {
     if (!newFeature.description.trim()) {
@@ -157,7 +170,7 @@ export function AddFeatureDialog({
     // If currentBranch is provided (non-primary worktree), use it
     // Otherwise (primary worktree), use empty string which means "unassigned" (show only on primary)
     const finalBranchName = useCurrentBranch
-      ? (currentBranch || "")
+      ? currentBranch || ""
       : newFeature.branchName || "";
 
     onAdd({
@@ -398,6 +411,7 @@ export function AddFeatureDialog({
                   setNewFeature({ ...newFeature, branchName: value })
                 }
                 branchSuggestions={branchSuggestions}
+                branchCardCounts={branchCardCounts}
                 currentBranch={currentBranch}
                 testIdPrefix="feature"
               />
@@ -480,7 +494,10 @@ export function AddFeatureDialog({
           </TabsContent>
 
           {/* Options Tab */}
-          <TabsContent value="options" className="space-y-4 overflow-y-auto cursor-default">
+          <TabsContent
+            value="options"
+            className="space-y-4 overflow-y-auto cursor-default"
+          >
             {/* Planning Mode Section */}
             <PlanningModeSelector
               mode={planningMode}
@@ -515,9 +532,7 @@ export function AddFeatureDialog({
             hotkeyActive={open}
             data-testid="confirm-add-feature"
             disabled={
-              useWorktrees &&
+              useWorktrees && !useCurrentBranch && !newFeature.branchName.trim()
-              !useCurrentBranch &&
-              !newFeature.branchName.trim()
             }
           >
             Add Feature

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/dialogs/delete-worktree-dialog.tsx

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ import {
 import { Button } from "@/components/ui/button";
 import { Checkbox } from "@/components/ui/checkbox";
 import { Label } from "@/components/ui/label";
-import { Loader2, Trash2, AlertTriangle } from "lucide-react";
+import { Loader2, Trash2, AlertTriangle, FileWarning } from "lucide-react";
 import { getElectronAPI } from "@/lib/electron";
 import { toast } from "sonner";
 
@@ -30,6 +30,8 @@ interface DeleteWorktreeDialogProps {
   projectPath: string;
   worktree: WorktreeInfo | null;
   onDeleted: (deletedWorktree: WorktreeInfo, deletedBranch: boolean) => void;
+  /** Number of features assigned to this worktree's branch */
+  affectedFeatureCount?: number;
 }
 
 export function DeleteWorktreeDialog({
@@ -38,6 +40,7 @@ export function DeleteWorktreeDialog({
   projectPath,
   worktree,
   onDeleted,
+  affectedFeatureCount = 0,
 }: DeleteWorktreeDialogProps) {
   const [deleteBranch, setDeleteBranch] = useState(false);
   const [isLoading, setIsLoading] = useState(false);
@@ -100,6 +103,18 @@ export function DeleteWorktreeDialog({
               ?
             </span>
 
+            {affectedFeatureCount > 0 && (
+              <div className="flex items-start gap-2 p-3 rounded-md bg-orange-500/10 border border-orange-500/20 mt-2">
+                <FileWarning className="w-4 h-4 text-orange-500 mt-0.5 flex-shrink-0" />
+                <span className="text-orange-500 text-sm">
+                  {affectedFeatureCount} feature{affectedFeatureCount !== 1 ? "s" : ""}{" "}
+                  {affectedFeatureCount !== 1 ? "are" : "is"} assigned to this
+                  branch. {affectedFeatureCount !== 1 ? "They" : "It"} will be
+                  unassigned and moved to the main worktree.
+                </span>
+              </div>
+            )}
+
             {worktree.hasChanges && (
               <div className="flex items-start gap-2 p-3 rounded-md bg-yellow-500/10 border border-yellow-500/20 mt-2">
                 <AlertTriangle className="w-4 h-4 text-yellow-500 mt-0.5 flex-shrink-0" />

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/dialogs/edit-feature-dialog.tsx

@@ -77,6 +77,7 @@ interface EditFeatureDialogProps {
   ) => void;
   categorySuggestions: string[];
   branchSuggestions: string[];
+  branchCardCounts?: Record<string, number>; // Map of branch name to unarchived card count
   currentBranch?: string;
   isMaximized: boolean;
   showProfilesOnly: boolean;
@@ -90,6 +91,7 @@ export function EditFeatureDialog({
   onUpdate,
   categorySuggestions,
   branchSuggestions,
+  branchCardCounts,
   currentBranch,
   isMaximized,
   showProfilesOnly,
@@ -389,6 +391,7 @@ export function EditFeatureDialog({
                   })
                 }
                 branchSuggestions={branchSuggestions}
+                branchCardCounts={branchCardCounts}
                 currentBranch={currentBranch}
                 disabled={editingFeature.status !== "backlog"}
                 testIdPrefix="edit-feature"

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/hooks/use-board-actions.ts

@@ -82,8 +82,8 @@ export function useBoardActions({
   } = useAppStore();
   const autoMode = useAutoMode();
 
-  // Note: getOrCreateWorktreeForFeature removed - worktrees are now created server-side
+  // Worktrees are created when adding/editing features with a branch name
-  // at execution time based on feature.branchName
+  // This ensures the worktree exists before the feature starts execution
 
   const handleAddFeature = useCallback(
     async (featureData: {
@@ -100,24 +100,58 @@ export function useBoardActions({
       planningMode: PlanningMode;
       requirePlanApproval: boolean;
     }) => {
-      // Simplified: Only store branchName, no worktree creation on add
-      // Worktrees are created at execution time (when feature starts)
       // Empty string means "unassigned" (show only on primary worktree) - convert to undefined
       // Non-empty string is the actual branch name (for non-primary worktrees)
       const finalBranchName = featureData.branchName || undefined;
 
+      // If worktrees enabled and a branch is specified, create the worktree now
+      // This ensures the worktree exists before the feature starts
+      if (useWorktrees && finalBranchName && currentProject) {
+        try {
+          const api = getElectronAPI();
+          if (api?.worktree?.create) {
+            const result = await api.worktree.create(
+              currentProject.path,
+              finalBranchName
+            );
+            if (result.success) {
+              console.log(
+                `[Board] Worktree for branch "${finalBranchName}" ${
+                  result.worktree?.isNew ? "created" : "already exists"
+                }`
+              );
+              // Refresh worktree list in UI
+              onWorktreeCreated?.();
+            } else {
+              console.error(
+                `[Board] Failed to create worktree for branch "${finalBranchName}":`,
+                result.error
+              );
+              toast.error("Failed to create worktree", {
+                description: result.error || "An error occurred",
+              });
+            }
+          }
+        } catch (error) {
+          console.error("[Board] Error creating worktree:", error);
+          toast.error("Failed to create worktree", {
+            description:
+              error instanceof Error ? error.message : "An error occurred",
+          });
+        }
+      }
+
       const newFeatureData = {
         ...featureData,
         status: "backlog" as const,
         branchName: finalBranchName,
-        // No worktreePath - derived at runtime from branchName
       };
       const createdFeature = addFeature(newFeatureData);
       // Must await to ensure feature exists on server before user can drag it
       await persistFeatureCreate(createdFeature);
       saveCategory(featureData.category);
     },
-    [addFeature, persistFeatureCreate, saveCategory]
+    [addFeature, persistFeatureCreate, saveCategory, useWorktrees, currentProject, onWorktreeCreated]
   );
 
   const handleUpdateFeature = useCallback(
@@ -139,6 +173,43 @@ export function useBoardActions({
     ) => {
       const finalBranchName = updates.branchName || undefined;
 
+      // If worktrees enabled and a branch is specified, create the worktree now
+      // This ensures the worktree exists before the feature starts
+      if (useWorktrees && finalBranchName && currentProject) {
+        try {
+          const api = getElectronAPI();
+          if (api?.worktree?.create) {
+            const result = await api.worktree.create(
+              currentProject.path,
+              finalBranchName
+            );
+            if (result.success) {
+              console.log(
+                `[Board] Worktree for branch "${finalBranchName}" ${
+                  result.worktree?.isNew ? "created" : "already exists"
+                }`
+              );
+              // Refresh worktree list in UI
+              onWorktreeCreated?.();
+            } else {
+              console.error(
+                `[Board] Failed to create worktree for branch "${finalBranchName}":`,
+                result.error
+              );
+              toast.error("Failed to create worktree", {
+                description: result.error || "An error occurred",
+              });
+            }
+          }
+        } catch (error) {
+          console.error("[Board] Error creating worktree:", error);
+          toast.error("Failed to create worktree", {
+            description:
+              error instanceof Error ? error.message : "An error occurred",
+          });
+        }
+      }
+
       const finalUpdates = {
         ...updates,
         branchName: finalBranchName,
@@ -151,7 +222,7 @@ export function useBoardActions({
       }
       setEditingFeature(null);
     },
-    [updateFeature, persistFeatureUpdate, saveCategory, setEditingFeature]
+    [updateFeature, persistFeatureUpdate, saveCategory, setEditingFeature, useWorktrees, currentProject, onWorktreeCreated]
   );
 
   const handleDeleteFeature = useCallback(

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/shared/branch-selector.tsx

@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ interface BranchSelectorProps {
   branchName: string;
   onBranchNameChange: (branchName: string) => void;
   branchSuggestions: string[];
+  branchCardCounts?: Record<string, number>; // Map of branch name to unarchived card count
   currentBranch?: string;
   disabled?: boolean;
   testIdPrefix?: string;
@@ -21,6 +22,7 @@ export function BranchSelector({
   branchName,
   onBranchNameChange,
   branchSuggestions,
+  branchCardCounts,
   currentBranch,
   disabled = false,
   testIdPrefix = "branch",
@@ -69,6 +71,7 @@ export function BranchSelector({
             value={branchName}
             onChange={onBranchNameChange}
             branches={branchSuggestions}
+            branchCardCounts={branchCardCounts}
             placeholder="Select or create branch..."
             data-testid={`${testIdPrefix}-input`}
             disabled={disabled}

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/components/worktree-tab.tsx

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import { WorktreeActionsDropdown } from "./worktree-actions-dropdown";
 
 interface WorktreeTabProps {
   worktree: WorktreeInfo;
+  cardCount?: number; // Number of unarchived cards for this branch
   isSelected: boolean;
   isRunning: boolean;
   isActivating: boolean;
@@ -44,6 +45,7 @@ interface WorktreeTabProps {
 
 export function WorktreeTab({
   worktree,
+  cardCount,
   isSelected,
   isRunning,
   isActivating,
@@ -97,9 +99,9 @@ export function WorktreeTab({
               <RefreshCw className="w-3 h-3 animate-spin" />
             )}
             {worktree.branch}
-            {worktree.hasChanges && (
+            {cardCount !== undefined && cardCount > 0 && (
               <span className="inline-flex items-center justify-center h-4 min-w-[1rem] px-1 text-[10px] font-medium rounded bg-background/80 text-foreground border border-border">
-                {worktree.changedFilesCount}
+                {cardCount}
               </span>
             )}
           </Button>
@@ -140,9 +142,9 @@ export function WorktreeTab({
             <RefreshCw className="w-3 h-3 animate-spin" />
           )}
           {worktree.branch}
-          {worktree.hasChanges && (
+          {cardCount !== undefined && cardCount > 0 && (
             <span className="inline-flex items-center justify-center h-4 min-w-[1rem] px-1 text-[10px] font-medium rounded bg-background/80 text-foreground border border-border">
-              {worktree.changedFilesCount}
+              {cardCount}
             </span>
           )}
         </Button>

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/types.ts

@@ -35,5 +35,6 @@ export interface WorktreePanelProps {
   onRemovedWorktrees?: (removedWorktrees: Array<{ path: string; branch: string }>) => void;
   runningFeatureIds?: string[];
   features?: FeatureInfo[];
+  branchCardCounts?: Record<string, number>; // Map of branch name to unarchived card count
   refreshTrigger?: number;
 }

apps/app/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/worktree-panel.tsx

@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ export function WorktreePanel({
   onRemovedWorktrees,
   runningFeatureIds = [],
   features = [],
+  branchCardCounts,
   refreshTrigger = 0,
 }: WorktreePanelProps) {
   const {
@@ -110,43 +111,47 @@ export function WorktreePanel({
       <span className="text-sm text-muted-foreground mr-2">Branch:</span>
 
       <div className="flex items-center gap-1 flex-wrap">
-        {worktrees.map((worktree) => (
+        {worktrees.map((worktree) => {
-          <WorktreeTab
+          const cardCount = branchCardCounts?.[worktree.branch];
-            key={worktree.path}
+          return (
-            worktree={worktree}
+            <WorktreeTab
-            isSelected={isWorktreeSelected(worktree)}
+              key={worktree.path}
-            isRunning={hasRunningFeatures(worktree)}
+              worktree={worktree}
-            isActivating={isActivating}
+              cardCount={cardCount}
-            isDevServerRunning={isDevServerRunning(worktree)}
+              isSelected={isWorktreeSelected(worktree)}
-            devServerInfo={getDevServerInfo(worktree)}
+              isRunning={hasRunningFeatures(worktree)}
-            defaultEditorName={defaultEditorName}
+              isActivating={isActivating}
-            branches={branches}
+              isDevServerRunning={isDevServerRunning(worktree)}
-            filteredBranches={filteredBranches}
+              devServerInfo={getDevServerInfo(worktree)}
-            branchFilter={branchFilter}
+              defaultEditorName={defaultEditorName}
-            isLoadingBranches={isLoadingBranches}
+              branches={branches}
-            isSwitching={isSwitching}
+              filteredBranches={filteredBranches}
-            isPulling={isPulling}
+              branchFilter={branchFilter}
-            isPushing={isPushing}
+              isLoadingBranches={isLoadingBranches}
-            isStartingDevServer={isStartingDevServer}
+              isSwitching={isSwitching}
-            aheadCount={aheadCount}
+              isPulling={isPulling}
-            behindCount={behindCount}
+              isPushing={isPushing}
-            onSelectWorktree={handleSelectWorktree}
+              isStartingDevServer={isStartingDevServer}
-            onBranchDropdownOpenChange={handleBranchDropdownOpenChange(worktree)}
+              aheadCount={aheadCount}
-            onActionsDropdownOpenChange={handleActionsDropdownOpenChange(worktree)}
+              behindCount={behindCount}
-            onBranchFilterChange={setBranchFilter}
+              onSelectWorktree={handleSelectWorktree}
-            onSwitchBranch={handleSwitchBranch}
+              onBranchDropdownOpenChange={handleBranchDropdownOpenChange(worktree)}
-            onCreateBranch={onCreateBranch}
+              onActionsDropdownOpenChange={handleActionsDropdownOpenChange(worktree)}
-            onPull={handlePull}
+              onBranchFilterChange={setBranchFilter}
-            onPush={handlePush}
+              onSwitchBranch={handleSwitchBranch}
-            onOpenInEditor={handleOpenInEditor}
+              onCreateBranch={onCreateBranch}
-            onCommit={onCommit}
+              onPull={handlePull}
-            onCreatePR={onCreatePR}
+              onPush={handlePush}
-            onDeleteWorktree={onDeleteWorktree}
+              onOpenInEditor={handleOpenInEditor}
-            onStartDevServer={handleStartDevServer}
+              onCommit={onCommit}
-            onStopDevServer={handleStopDevServer}
+              onCreatePR={onCreatePR}
-            onOpenDevServerUrl={handleOpenDevServerUrl}
+              onDeleteWorktree={onDeleteWorktree}
-          />
+              onStartDevServer={handleStartDevServer}
-        ))}
+              onStopDevServer={handleStopDevServer}
+              onOpenDevServerUrl={handleOpenDevServerUrl}
+            />
+          );
+        })}
 
         <Button
           variant="ghost"

apps/app/tests/worktree-integration.spec.ts

@@ -779,7 +779,7 @@ test.describe("Worktree Integration Tests", () => {
     expect(featureData.worktreePath).toBeUndefined();
   });
 
-  test("should store branch name when adding feature with new branch (worktree created at execution)", async ({
+  test("should store branch name when adding feature with new branch (worktree created when adding feature)", async ({
     page,
   }) => {
     await setupProjectWithPath(page, testRepo.path);
@@ -788,7 +788,7 @@ test.describe("Worktree Integration Tests", () => {
     await waitForBoardView(page);
 
     // Use a branch name that doesn't exist yet
-    // Note: Worktrees are now created at execution time, not when adding to backlog
+    // Note: Worktrees are now created when features are added/edited, not at execution time
     const branchName = "feature/auto-create-worktree";
 
     // Verify branch does NOT exist before we create the feature
@@ -807,12 +807,16 @@ test.describe("Worktree Integration Tests", () => {
     // Confirm
     await confirmAddFeature(page);
 
-    // Wait for feature to be saved
+    // Wait for feature to be saved and worktree to be created
-    await page.waitForTimeout(1000);
+    await page.waitForTimeout(2000);
 
-    // Verify branch was NOT created when adding feature (created at execution time)
+    // Verify branch WAS created when adding feature (worktrees are created when features are added/edited)
     const branchesAfter = await listBranches(testRepo.path);
-    expect(branchesAfter).not.toContain(branchName);
+    expect(branchesAfter).toContain(branchName);
+
+    // Verify worktree was created
+    const worktreePath = getWorktreePath(testRepo.path, branchName);
+    expect(fs.existsSync(worktreePath)).toBe(true);
 
     // Verify feature was created with correct branch name stored
     const featuresDir = path.join(testRepo.path, ".automaker", "features");
@@ -835,9 +839,6 @@ test.describe("Worktree Integration Tests", () => {
     // Verify branch name is stored
     expect(featureData.branchName).toBe(branchName);
     
-    // Verify worktreePath is NOT set (worktrees are created at execution time)
-    expect(featureData.worktreePath).toBeUndefined();
-    
     // Verify feature is in backlog status
     expect(featureData.status).toBe("backlog");
   });
@@ -2399,7 +2400,7 @@ test.describe("Worktree Integration Tests", () => {
     const newBranchName = "feature/edited-branch";
     const expectedWorktreePath = getWorktreePath(testRepo.path, newBranchName);
 
-    // Verify worktree does NOT exist before editing (worktrees are created at execution time)
+    // Verify worktree does NOT exist before editing
     expect(fs.existsSync(expectedWorktreePath)).toBe(false);
 
     // Find and click the edit button on the feature card
@@ -2435,22 +2436,19 @@ test.describe("Worktree Integration Tests", () => {
     const saveButton = page.locator('[data-testid="confirm-edit-feature"]');
     await saveButton.click();
 
-    // Wait for the dialog to close
+    // Wait for the dialog to close and worktree to be created
     await page.waitForTimeout(2000);
 
-    // Verify worktree was NOT created during editing (worktrees are created at execution time)
+    // Verify worktree WAS created during editing (worktrees are now created when features are added/edited)
-    expect(fs.existsSync(expectedWorktreePath)).toBe(false);
+    expect(fs.existsSync(expectedWorktreePath)).toBe(true);
 
-    // Verify branch was NOT created (created at execution time)
+    // Verify branch WAS created (worktrees are created when features are added/edited)
     const branches = await listBranches(testRepo.path);
-    expect(branches).not.toContain(newBranchName);
+    expect(branches).toContain(newBranchName);
 
-    // Verify feature was updated with correct branchName only
+    // Verify feature was updated with correct branchName
-    // Note: worktreePath is no longer stored - worktrees are created server-side at execution time
     featureData = JSON.parse(fs.readFileSync(featureFilePath, "utf-8"));
     expect(featureData.branchName).toBe(newBranchName);
-    // worktreePath should not exist in the feature data
-    expect(featureData.worktreePath).toBeUndefined();
   });
 
   test("should not create worktree when editing a feature and selecting main branch", async ({

apps/server/src/routes/worktree/common.ts

@@ -13,6 +13,9 @@ import {
 const logger = createLogger("Worktree");
 const execAsync = promisify(exec);
 
+export const AUTOMAKER_INITIAL_COMMIT_MESSAGE =
+  "chore: automaker initial commit";
+
 /**
  * Normalize path separators to forward slashes for cross-platform consistency.
  * This ensures paths from `path.join()` (backslashes on Windows) match paths
@@ -73,3 +76,30 @@ export function logWorktreeError(
 // Re-export shared utilities
 export { getErrorMessageShared as getErrorMessage };
 export const logError = createLogError(logger);
+
+/**
+ * Ensure the repository has at least one commit so git commands that rely on HEAD work.
+ * Returns true if an empty commit was created, false if the repo already had commits.
+ */
+export async function ensureInitialCommit(repoPath: string): Promise<boolean> {
+  try {
+    await execAsync("git rev-parse --verify HEAD", { cwd: repoPath });
+    return false;
+  } catch {
+    try {
+      await execAsync(
+        `git commit --allow-empty -m "${AUTOMAKER_INITIAL_COMMIT_MESSAGE}"`,
+        { cwd: repoPath }
+      );
+      logger.info(
+        `[Worktree] Created initial empty commit to enable worktrees in ${repoPath}`
+      );
+      return true;
+    } catch (error) {
+      const reason = getErrorMessageShared(error);
+      throw new Error(
+        `Failed to create initial git commit. Please commit manually and retry. ${reason}`
+      );
+    }
+  }
+}

apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/create.ts

@@ -12,7 +12,13 @@ import { exec } from "child_process";
 import { promisify } from "util";
 import path from "path";
 import { mkdir } from "fs/promises";
-import { isGitRepo, getErrorMessage, logError, normalizePath } from "../common.js";
+import {
+  isGitRepo,
+  getErrorMessage,
+  logError,
+  normalizePath,
+  ensureInitialCommit,
+} from "../common.js";
 import { trackBranch } from "./branch-tracking.js";
 
 const execAsync = promisify(exec);
@@ -93,6 +99,9 @@ export function createCreateHandler() {
         return;
       }
 
+      // Ensure the repository has at least one commit so worktree commands referencing HEAD succeed
+      await ensureInitialCommit(projectPath);
+
       // First, check if git already has a worktree for this branch (anywhere)
       const existingWorktree = await findExistingWorktreeForBranch(projectPath, branchName);
       if (existingWorktree) {

apps/server/src/services/auto-mode-service.ts

@@ -520,29 +520,28 @@ export class AutoModeService {
       }
 
       // Derive workDir from feature.branchName
-      // If no branchName, derive from feature ID: feature/{featureId}
+      // Worktrees should already be created when the feature is added/edited
       let worktreePath: string | null = null;
-      const branchName = feature.branchName || `feature/${featureId}`;
+      const branchName = feature.branchName;
 
       if (useWorktrees && branchName) {
         // Try to find existing worktree for this branch
+        // Worktree should already exist (created when feature was added/edited)
         worktreePath = await this.findExistingWorktreeForBranch(
           projectPath,
           branchName
         );
 
-        if (!worktreePath) {
+        if (worktreePath) {
-          // Create worktree for this branch
+          console.log(
-          worktreePath = await this.setupWorktree(
+            `[AutoMode] Using worktree for branch "${branchName}": ${worktreePath}`
-            projectPath,
+          );
-            featureId,
+        } else {
-            branchName
+          // Worktree doesn't exist - log warning and continue with project path
+          console.warn(
+            `[AutoMode] Worktree for branch "${branchName}" not found, using project path`
           );
         }
-
-        console.log(
-          `[AutoMode] Using worktree for branch "${branchName}": ${worktreePath}`
-        );
       }
 
       // Ensure workDir is always an absolute path for cross-platform compatibility
@@ -552,7 +551,7 @@ export class AutoModeService {
 
       // Update running feature with actual worktree info
       tempRunningFeature.worktreePath = worktreePath;
-      tempRunningFeature.branchName = branchName;
+      tempRunningFeature.branchName = branchName ?? null;
 
       // Update feature status to in_progress
       await this.updateFeatureStatus(projectPath, featureId, "in_progress");
@@ -1410,60 +1409,6 @@ Format your response as a structured markdown document.`;
     }
   }
 
-  private async setupWorktree(
-    projectPath: string,
-    featureId: string,
-    branchName: string
-  ): Promise<string> {
-    // First, check if git already has a worktree for this branch (anywhere)
-    const existingWorktree = await this.findExistingWorktreeForBranch(
-      projectPath,
-      branchName
-    );
-    if (existingWorktree) {
-      // Path is already resolved to absolute in findExistingWorktreeForBranch
-      console.log(
-        `[AutoMode] Found existing worktree for branch "${branchName}" at: ${existingWorktree}`
-      );
-      return existingWorktree;
-    }
-
-    // Git worktrees stay in project directory
-    const worktreesDir = path.join(projectPath, ".worktrees");
-    const worktreePath = path.join(worktreesDir, featureId);
-
-    await fs.mkdir(worktreesDir, { recursive: true });
-
-    // Check if worktree directory already exists (might not be linked to branch)
-    try {
-      await fs.access(worktreePath);
-      // Return absolute path for cross-platform compatibility
-      return path.resolve(worktreePath);
-    } catch {
-      // Create new worktree
-    }
-
-    // Create branch if it doesn't exist
-    try {
-      await execAsync(`git branch ${branchName}`, { cwd: projectPath });
-    } catch {
-      // Branch may already exist
-    }
-
-    // Create worktree
-    try {
-      await execAsync(`git worktree add "${worktreePath}" ${branchName}`, {
-        cwd: projectPath,
-      });
-      // Return absolute path for cross-platform compatibility
-      return path.resolve(worktreePath);
-    } catch (error) {
-      // Worktree creation failed, fall back to direct execution
-      console.error(`[AutoMode] Worktree creation failed:`, error);
-      return path.resolve(projectPath);
-    }
-  }
-
   private async loadFeature(
     projectPath: string,
     featureId: string

apps/server/tests/integration/routes/worktree/create.integration.test.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+import { describe, it, expect, vi, afterEach } from "vitest";
+import { createCreateHandler } from "@/routes/worktree/routes/create.js";
+import { AUTOMAKER_INITIAL_COMMIT_MESSAGE } from "@/routes/worktree/common.js";
+import { exec } from "child_process";
+import { promisify } from "util";
+import * as fs from "fs/promises";
+import * as os from "os";
+import * as path from "path";
+
+const execAsync = promisify(exec);
+
+describe("worktree create route - repositories without commits", () => {
+  let repoPath: string | null = null;
+
+  async function initRepoWithoutCommit() {
+    repoPath = await fs.mkdtemp(
+      path.join(os.tmpdir(), "automaker-no-commit-")
+    );
+    await execAsync("git init", { cwd: repoPath });
+    await execAsync('git config user.email "test@example.com"', {
+      cwd: repoPath,
+    });
+    await execAsync('git config user.name "Test User"', { cwd: repoPath });
+    // Intentionally skip creating an initial commit
+  }
+
+  afterEach(async () => {
+    if (!repoPath) {
+      return;
+    }
+    await fs.rm(repoPath, { recursive: true, force: true });
+    repoPath = null;
+  });
+
+  it("creates an initial commit before adding a worktree when HEAD is missing", async () => {
+    await initRepoWithoutCommit();
+    const handler = createCreateHandler();
+
+    const json = vi.fn();
+    const status = vi.fn().mockReturnThis();
+    const req = {
+      body: { projectPath: repoPath, branchName: "feature/no-head" },
+    } as any;
+    const res = {
+      json,
+      status,
+    } as any;
+
+    await handler(req, res);
+
+    expect(status).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+    expect(json).toHaveBeenCalled();
+    const payload = json.mock.calls[0][0];
+    expect(payload.success).toBe(true);
+
+    const { stdout: commitCount } = await execAsync(
+      "git rev-list --count HEAD",
+      { cwd: repoPath! }
+    );
+    expect(Number(commitCount.trim())).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+
+    const { stdout: latestMessage } = await execAsync(
+      "git log -1 --pretty=%B",
+      { cwd: repoPath! }
+    );
+    expect(latestMessage.trim()).toBe(AUTOMAKER_INITIAL_COMMIT_MESSAGE);
+  });
+});
+

apps/server/tests/integration/services/auto-mode-service.integration.test.ts

@@ -13,6 +13,10 @@ import {
 } from "../helpers/git-test-repo.js";
 import * as fs from "fs/promises";
 import * as path from "path";
+import { exec } from "child_process";
+import { promisify } from "util";
+
+const execAsync = promisify(exec);
 
 vi.mock("@/providers/provider-factory.js");
 
@@ -43,13 +47,24 @@ describe("auto-mode-service.ts (integration)", () => {
   });
 
   describe("worktree operations", () => {
-    it("should create git worktree for feature", async () => {
+    it("should use existing git worktree for feature", async () => {
-      // Create a test feature
+      const branchName = "feature/test-feature-1";
+      
+      // Create a test feature with branchName set
       await createTestFeature(testRepo.path, "test-feature-1", {
         id: "test-feature-1",
         category: "test",
         description: "Test feature",
         status: "pending",
+        branchName: branchName,
+      });
+
+      // Create worktree before executing (worktrees are now created when features are added/edited)
+      const worktreesDir = path.join(testRepo.path, ".worktrees");
+      const worktreePath = path.join(worktreesDir, "test-feature-1");
+      await fs.mkdir(worktreesDir, { recursive: true });
+      await execAsync(`git worktree add -b ${branchName} "${worktreePath}" HEAD`, {
+        cwd: testRepo.path,
       });
 
       // Mock provider to complete quickly
@@ -82,9 +97,20 @@ describe("auto-mode-service.ts (integration)", () => {
         false // isAutoMode
       );
 
-      // Verify branch was created
+      // Verify branch exists (was created when worktree was created)
       const branches = await listBranches(testRepo.path);
-      expect(branches).toContain("feature/test-feature-1");
+      expect(branches).toContain(branchName);
+
+      // Verify worktree exists and is being used
+      // The service should have found and used the worktree (check via logs)
+      // We can verify the worktree exists by checking git worktree list
+      const worktrees = await listWorktrees(testRepo.path);
+      expect(worktrees.length).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+      // Verify that at least one worktree path contains our feature ID
+      const worktreePathsMatch = worktrees.some(wt => 
+        wt.includes("test-feature-1") || wt.includes(".worktrees")
+      );
+      expect(worktreePathsMatch).toBe(true);
 
       // Note: Worktrees are not automatically cleaned up by the service
       // This is expected behavior - manual cleanup is required