name: ralph-code-assist description: Runs Ralph orchestrator with the code-assist configuration to implement code tasks autonomously. Spawns Ralph as a subprocess that handles the full TDD workflow (Explore, Plan, Code, Commit) for the given code task file. type: anthropic-skill version: "1.0"

Ralph Code Assist

Overview

This skill launches the Ralph orchestrator with the ralph.code-assist.yml configuration to implement code tasks autonomously. Ralph handles the full TDD workflow (Explore → Plan → Code → Commit) using its event loop and hat system.

Use this when you have a .code-task.md file and want Ralph to implement it end-to-end without manual intervention.

Parameters

• code_task (required): Path to a .code-task.md file containing the task specification
• config (optional, default: "ralph.code-assist.yml"): Ralph configuration file to use
• verbose (optional, default: false): Enable verbose output from Ralph

Constraints for parameter acquisition:

• You MUST ask for all required parameters upfront in a single prompt
• You MUST validate that the code_task file exists before proceeding
• You MUST verify the code task file has the .code-task.md extension or is a valid task file

Steps

1. Validate Inputs

Verify the code task file exists and is properly formatted.

Constraints:

• You MUST check that the code_task file path exists
• You MUST read the code task file to verify it contains valid task content
• You MUST notify the user if the file is missing or malformed
• You SHOULD display a summary of the task (name, description, complexity) before proceeding

2. Display Task Summary

Show the user what will be implemented before starting.

Constraints:

• You MUST display the task name, description, and complexity from the code task file
• You MUST list the acceptance criteria that will be implemented
• You MUST confirm the current working directory where changes will be made

3. Execute Ralph

Run the Ralph orchestrator with the code-assist configuration.

Constraints:

• You MUST run the command: cargo run --bin ralph -- run -c {config} -p "Implement the task at: {code_task}"
• You MUST capture and display Ralph's output in real-time or stream it to the user
• You MUST monitor for the completion promise "LOOP_COMPLETE" or error conditions
• You MUST handle timeouts gracefully (default max runtime is 8 hours)
• You SHOULD provide periodic status updates if Ralph runs for an extended time

4. Report Results

Summarize the execution results for the user.

Constraints:

• You MUST report whether Ralph completed successfully or encountered errors
• You MUST display the termination reason (completion promise, timeout, error)
• You MUST list any files created or modified during execution
• You SHOULD provide a summary of what was implemented if successful
• You SHOULD suggest next steps (review changes, run tests, commit, etc.)

Example Usage

/ralph-code-assist tools/task-01-replay-backend.code-task.md

Or with a different config:

/ralph-code-assist code_task=tools/task-01-replay-backend.code-task.md config=ralph.smoke.yml

Expected Output

When successful, Ralph will:

1. Read the code task specification
2. Follow the code-assist SOP (TDD workflow)
3. Implement tests first, then implementation code
4. Run tests to verify
5. Commit changes with conventional commit message
6. Emit "LOOP_COMPLETE" when done

Troubleshooting

Ralph Build Fails

If cargo run --bin ralph fails:

• You SHOULD run cargo build --bin ralph first to see build errors
• You SHOULD check that all dependencies are available
• You SHOULD verify the ralph.code-assist.yml config file exists

Task Not Completing

If Ralph runs but doesn't complete:

• You SHOULD check the scratchpad at .agent/scratchpad.md for progress
• You SHOULD verify the task requirements are clear and achievable
• You SHOULD consider if the task needs to be broken into smaller pieces

Agent Artifacts

Ralph creates working files during execution:

• .agent/scratchpad.md - Ralph's working memory between iterations
• These are normal and can be cleaned up after successful runs
• You SHOULD add .agent/ to .gitignore if not already present

Related

• ralph.code-assist.yml - The Ralph configuration for code assist mode
• .sops/code-assist.sop.md - The SOP that Ralph follows (if exists)
• /code-assist skill - Direct Claude code assist (not via Ralph)