# Topics

Core concepts that explain how erk works.

Topics are **understanding-oriented**. They provide background knowledge and conceptual explanations to deepen your understanding of erk.

## Contents

- [Worktrees](worktrees.md) - Git worktrees enable parallel development without branch switching
- [Graphite Integration](../tutorials/graphite-integration.md) - Stacked PR workflows with Graphite
- [Plan Mode](plan-mode.md) - Claude Code's planning workflow and how erk extends it
- [The Workflow](the-workflow.md) - The complete journey from idea to merged PR
- [Plan-Oriented Engineering](plan-oriented-engineering.md) - Why planning first leads to better outcomes
- [Why GitHub Issues for Plans](why-github-issues.md) - Why plans are stored as GitHub issues

## Why These Concepts Matter

Understanding these concepts will help you:

- Make informed decisions about when to use different workflows
- Debug issues by understanding what's happening under the hood
- Extend erk's capabilities for your specific needs
