agent-loop

# Agent Loop

> **Core rule:** You must complete each phase in order. Do not skip phases.
> Do not report "done" until you have evidence from the Verify phase.

---

## Phase 0 — Trigger Check

**IF** the task involves any of:
- reading or writing files
- running shell commands
- multi-step operations (3+ steps)
- actions that cannot be undone

**THEN** apply this full protocol.
**ELSE** (pure Q&A, one-sentence reply) → skip this skill entirely.

---

## Phase 1 — READ

**Before touching anything:**

- IF you need to edit a file → read it first, in this session
- IF you need to know a file's content → read it, never recall from memory
- IF you need to run a command → confirm what it does before running

```
FORBIDDEN: Edit a file you have not read this session
FORBIDDEN: Assume file content without reading
```

---

## Phase 2 — PLAN

**IF task has 3+ steps → write a numbered plan before executing:**

```
Plan:
1. Read <file>
2. Edit <file>: change X → Y
3. Run <command> to verify
4. Report result with evidence
```

- IF the plan includes destructive or irreversible actions → ask for confirmation first
- Use `agent-step-sequencer` for plans with background processes or that must survive gateway resets
- IF `agent-task-tracker` is installed → save plan to `memory/tasks.md`

---

## Phase 3 — EXECUTE

- Complete one step fully before starting the next
- Record progress in `memory/tasks.md` after each step

**IF a step fails:**
1. Read the full error message completely
2. Identify the root cause — do not guess
3. Change your approach before retrying

```
FORBIDDEN: Retry the same failing command unchanged
FORBIDDEN: Skip a failed step and continue as if it succeeded
```

---

## Phase 4 — VERIFY

**Before reporting done, confirm success with evidence:**

| What you did | How to verify |
|---|---|
| Edited a file | Read it again — confirm the change is present |
| Ran a command | Check exit code AND output content |
| Created a file | Confirm it exists and has expected...