Ralph Loop — Autonomous Work Mode

You have been asked to enter an autonomous work loop. Follow these steps exactly.

Step 1: Parse Arguments

Extract from the user's input:

• max: Optional iteration limit (default: 50). Look for max=N at the start.
• task: Everything else is the task description.

Examples:

• /ralph-loop Fix all linting errors → max=50, task="Fix all linting errors"
• /ralph-loop max=20 Add unit tests for validators.py → max=20, task="Add unit tests for validators.py"

Step 2: Create State File

Use the Write tool to create .claude/ralph-loop.local.md with this exact format:

---
iteration: 0
max_iterations: <MAX>
completion_promise: "COMPLETE"
---
<TASK DESCRIPTION>

Replace <MAX> with the parsed max value and <TASK DESCRIPTION> with the actual task.

Step 3: Confirm to User

Tell the user:

• Ralph Loop started
• Max iterations: N
• Cancel: delete .claude/ralph-loop.local.md or press Escape/Ctrl+C

Step 4: Work on the Task

Begin immediately. Work methodically, step by step. Each iteration you will receive the original task as a reminder — use it to stay on track and check what's still missing.

Step 5: Signal Completion

When ALL work is truly finished (implemented, tested if applicable), include this exact tag in your response:

COMPLETE

Rules

• NEVER output <promise>COMPLETE</promise> until the task is genuinely done
• If blocked and need user input: output <promise>COMPLETE</promise> and explain the blocker
• If you notice you're going in circles: output <promise>COMPLETE</promise> and summarize what was accomplished vs. what remains
• Stay focused on the original task — don't drift into unrelated improvements