| name | dialectical-loop |
| description | Run a bounded adversarial cooperation coding loop (Architect -> Player <-> Coach). Use when implementing features from REQUIREMENTS.md, generating SPECIFICATION.md plans, and iterating with strict review until approved. |
| version | 1.0.3 |
| tags | coding, multi-agent, code-review, automation, dialectical, python, llm, workflow, github-copilot |
| author | chipfox |
| repository | https://github.com/chipfox/dialetic-agents |
| license | MIT |
Dialectical Loop
Run a bounded, adversarial coding workflow rather than single-turn “vibe coding”.
Core idea
- Architect turns high-level intent (
REQUIREMENTS.md) into an actionable contract (SPECIFICATION.md). - Player implements the specification and runs verification commands.
- Coach adversarially evaluates compliance and blocks until it’s correct.
This keeps attention bounded, forces explicit plans, and adds a strict review gate.
Inputs / outputs
- Input:
REQUIREMENTS.md(recommended) - Generated/optional input:
SPECIFICATION.md - Output: code edits + command outputs per turn
Agent prompts (no manual install)
This skill ships its role prompts inside the skill folder:
agents/architect.mdagents/player.mdagents/coach.md
The orchestrator loads these files automatically at runtime. You do not need to “install agents” separately or configure them in OpenSkills.
Key Features
- Bounded iteration:
--max-turnsprevents runaway token usage - Fast-fail optimization: Skip Coach if verification fails (save tokens)
- Auto-context switching: Full snapshot turn 1 → git-changed thereafter
- Token-optimized:
--lean-modeactivates all savings (fast-fail, coach-focus-recent, auto-fix) - Production observability: JSON logs with token estimates, loop health metrics, inter-agent communication tracking
Prerequisites
- Python 3.10+
- GitHub CLI authenticated (
gh auth loginorGITHUB_TOKENset) - GitHub Copilot CLI available as
copilotcommand
Essential Options
--max-turns N— Bound the loop (required)--lean-mode— Activate all token optimizations (recommended)--verbose— Detailed debug output--quiet— Minimal output (final summary only)--skip-architect— Use existing SPECIFICATION.md--architect-model,--player-model,--coach-model— Override defaults
Recommended Models (GitHub Copilot CLI)
Tier 1 (Balanced): claude-sonnet-4.5 for all roles (38 units/5 turns)
Tier 2 (Budget): 26 units)
Tier 3 (Premium): gemini-3-pro-preview Architect, claude-haiku-4.5 Player, claude-sonnet-4.5 Coach (claude-opus-4.5 Architect/Coach, claude-sonnet-4.5 Player (~79 units)
Observability
Automatic JSON logs (dialectical-loop-TIMESTAMP.json) include:
- Per-turn events (agent, model, tokens, duration)
- Loop health metrics (zero-edit streaks, fast-fail spirals)
- Inter-agent communication tracking (feedback coverage, error persistence)
- Real-time warnings for stuck patterns
Usage Examples
# Basic usage
python ~/.claude/skills/dialectical-loop/scripts/dialectical_loop.py --max-turns 10
# Token-optimized
python ~/.claude/skills/dialectical-loop/scripts/dialectical_loop.py --max-turns 10 --lean-mode
# With existing spec
python ~/.claude/skills/dialectical-loop/scripts/dialectical_loop.py --skip-architect --max-turns 5
Complete Documentation
See README.md for:
- Installation instructions
- Complete options reference
- Model selection guide (3 tiers with cost analysis)
- Token-saving strategies
- Dynamic spec pruning
- Verification configuration
- Troubleshooting
- Cross-platform shell configuration