skill-iterative-loop

Iterative Loop Execution

Overview

Systematic iterative execution with clear goals, exit conditions, and progress tracking.

Core principle: Define goal → Set max iterations → Execute → Evaluate → Loop or complete.

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When to Use

Use this skill when user wants to:

• Execute a task multiple times with refinements
• Loop until a condition is met
• Iteratively improve something (code, tests, performance)
• Retry operations with modifications
• Progressive enhancement in rounds

Do NOT use for:

• Single execution ("run tests once")
• Manual step-by-step work
• Infinite loops without bounds
• Simple retry logic (use skill-debug)

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The Process

Phase 1: Loop Setup

Step 1: Understand the Intent

**Loop Intent:**

Goal: [what should be achieved]
Success criteria: [how do we know we're done]
Max iterations: [safety limit]
Per-iteration tasks: [what to do each loop]

Step 2: Clarify Parameters

Use AskUserQuestion if unclear:

• Max iterations: How many times maximum?
• Success condition: What indicates we can stop early?
• Per-iteration actions: What exactly to do each round?
• Failure handling: What if it never succeeds?

Step 3: Safety Checks

**Safety Validation:**

- [ ] Max iterations defined (no infinite loops)
- [ ] Success condition is measurable
- [ ] Each iteration makes progress
- [ ] Failure exit strategy exists
- [ ] User aware of potential duration

Never proceed without max iterations defined.

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Phase 2: Loop Execution

Step 1: Initialize Loop

**Starting Iterative Loop**

Goal: [description]
Max iterations: [N]
Success criteria: [condition]

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### Iteration 1 / [N]

Step 2: Execute Iteration

For each iteration:

**Iteration [current] / [max]**

**Actions:**
1. [Action 1]
   → [result/output]
2. [Action 2]
   → [result/output]
3. [Action 3]
   → [result/output]

**Evaluation:**
- Success criteria met? [Yes/No]
- Progress made? [Yes/No]
- Issues found: [list any issues]

**Status:** [Continue/Success/Need intervention]

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