# Smart Ralph

Should be used when the user asks about "ralph arguments", "quick mode", "commit spec"...

- Repository: https://github.com/tzachbon/smart-ralph (566 stars)
- Category: AI and agents
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-10-28
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add tzachbon/smart-ralph --skill smart-ralph -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add tzachbon/smart-ralph --skill smart-ralph -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add tzachbon/smart-ralph --skill smart-ralph -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add tzachbon/smart-ralph --skill smart-ralph -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add tzachbon/smart-ralph`

## Description

This skill should be used when the user asks about "ralph arguments", "quick mode", "commit spec", "max iterations", "ralph state file", "prototype overlay", "execution modes", "ralph loop", "coordinator behavior", "delegate to subagent", or needs guidance on Ralph plugin arguments, state management, delegation patterns, or execution loop behavior. Core behavioral skill for all Ralph Specum operations.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Smart Ralph

Core skill for all Ralph plugins. Defines common arguments, execution modes, shared behaviors, and coordinator delegation rules.

## Common Arguments

All Ralph commands support these standard arguments:

| Argument | Short | Description | Default |
|----------|-------|-------------|---------|
| `--quick` | | Exact token that enables persistent non-interactive generation | false |
| `--interactive` | | Exact token that clears persistent quick mode | - |
| `--commit` | `-c` | Commit spec/feature files locally after generation | true (normal), false (quick) |
| `--no-commit` | | Explicitly disable committing files | - |
| `--max-task-iterations` | `-m` | Max retries per failed task before stopping | 5 |
| `--fresh` | `-f` | Force new spec/feature, overwrite if exists | false |

Argument precedence: `--no-commit` > `--commit` > mode default.

## Execution Modes

### Normal Mode (Interactive)

- Exact `--interactive` clears a prior authorized quick mode
- No mode flag resets legacy quick state that lacks exact `--quick` authorization
- User reviews artifacts between phases
- Phase transitions require explicit commands
- Each phase sets `awaitingApproval: true`
- Commits spec files by default
- Research and requirements may offer the optional prototype overlay
- The user owns prototype capture, verdict, handoff, and deletion decisions

### Quick Mode (`--quick`)

The rest: https://github.com/tzachbon/smart-ralph/blob/HEAD/plugins/ralph-specum/skills/smart-ralph/SKILL.md