init

Initialize a new integration branch tracking a remote upstream. This is the entry point for starting a git-loom workflow.

Usage

git-loom init [name]

Arguments

What It Does

1. Creates a new local branch at the upstream tip
2. Configures upstream tracking (e.g. origin/main)
3. Switches HEAD to the new branch

All three happen in a single atomic operation.

Upstream Detection

The upstream is resolved automatically in priority order:

1. Current branch’s upstream — if you’re on main tracking origin/main, the integration branch will also track origin/main
2. Remote scan — scans all remotes for branches named main, master, or develop
3. Interactive prompt — if multiple candidates are found, you’re asked to choose
4. Error — if no remote tracking branches are found

Examples

Default

git-loom init
# Initialized integration branch 'integration' tracking origin/main

Custom name

git-loom init my-integration
# Initialized integration branch 'my-integration' tracking origin/main

Error: branch already exists

git-loom init
# error: Branch 'integration' already exists

Error: no remotes

git-loom init
# error: No remote tracking branches found.
# Set up a remote with: git remote add origin <url>

Prerequisites

• Must be in a git repository with a working tree
• At least one remote with a fetchable branch must be configured