Ralph Once - Single Feature Implementation Cycle

You are about to execute a focused, single-feature development cycle. Follow these steps precisely:

Step 1: Read Current Documents

Find and read ALL files in the current project that start with

current_

(e.g.,

current_PROGRESS.md

,

current_PRD.json

, or for example

current_SYSTEM-PLAN.md

, or any other `current_* files could be .txt , .json , .md or other). These contain the project roadmap, PRD, and progress tracking.

Step 2: Identify the Highest Priority Feature

After reading all

current_*

documents, YOU decide which single feature has the highest priority. Consider:

• Dependencies (what must be built before other things can work)
• Foundation vs polish (infrastructure before features)
• Blocking issues (what's preventing progress)
• Stage progression (complete earlier stages before later ones)

Do NOT just pick the first item in a list. Use your judgment about what will provide the most value or unblock the most work.

Announce your choice and briefly explain WHY you chose it before proceeding.

Step 3: Implement the Feature

Work on ONLY this single feature. Do not scope creep. Do not "also fix" other things. Stay focused.

Step 4: Test the Feature

• If tests exist for this feature area, run them and ensure they pass
• If no tests exist, write appropriate tests for the feature you just implemented
• All tests must pass before proceeding

Step 5: Update the PRD

Find the

current_*

document that serves as the PRD/plan (likely

current_PRD.md

or similar). Update it to reflect:

• Mark the completed item as done (change

  "passes": false

  to

   "passes": true]

  if using that or change "done" to true)
• Note any design decisions made during implementation
• Update any sections that are now outdated

Step 6: Append to Progress File

Find

current_PROGRESS.md

(or the equivalent progress journal tracking file). Append a new entry to the Session Log with:

• Today's date
• What feature was implemented
• Key implementation details
• Any issues encountered and how they were resolved
• What tests were added/run

Step 7: Git Commit

Stage and commit all changes with a clear commit message describing the feature implemented.

Do NOT push unless explicitly asked.

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CRITICAL RULES

1. ONE FEATURE ONLY - Do not work on multiple features. Stop after completing one feature cycle.
2. TESTS REQUIRED - Do not skip testing. Either run existing tests or write new ones.
3. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - The progress file is your memory between sessions. Be thorough.
4. COMMIT ATOMICALLY - Each /ralphonce invocation should result in exactly one focused commit.