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README.md

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+# Ralph Wiggum Loop - Generic Software Template
+
+A PowerShell outer loop that repeatedly invokes Claude Code with fresh context each iteration. Memory persists via filesystem only: git commits, `progress.txt`, and `IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md`.
+
+## How It Works
+
+1. `ralph.ps1` pipes `RALPH_PROMPT.md` to `claude --print` in a loop
+2. Each iteration, Claude reads `IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md`, picks the first unchecked task, implements it, commits, and updates `progress.txt`
+3. When all tasks are checked off, Claude outputs `<promise>COMPLETE</promise>` and the loop exits
+4. No context accumulates between iterations - each one starts clean
+
+## Setup
+
+1. Copy this template folder into your project directory
+2. Edit `IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md`:
+   - Fill in the **Project Overview** section
+   - Add your **Quality Checks** commands (e.g. `npm test`, `dotnet build`)
+   - List your **Tasks** as `- [ ]` checklist items in priority order
+3. Ensure `claude` CLI is available on your PATH
+
+## Usage
+
+Basic run:
+
+```powershell
+.\ralph.ps1
+```
+
+With options:
+
+```powershell
+.\ralph.ps1 -MaxIterations 15 -Model sonnet -BranchName "feature/my-feature"
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Default | Description |
+|---|---|---|
+| `-MaxIterations` | 10 | Maximum loop iterations before stopping |
+| `-Model` | sonnet | Claude model to use |
+| `-BranchName` | *(none)* | Git branch to create/checkout before starting |
+
+### Exit Codes
+
+| Code | Meaning |
+|---|---|
+| 0 | All tasks completed |
+| 1 | Max iterations reached without completing all tasks |
+
+## Files
+
+| File | Purpose |
+|---|---|
+| `ralph.ps1` | PowerShell outer loop script |
+| `RALPH_PROMPT.md` | Prompt template piped to Claude each iteration |
+| `IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md` | Task checklist and project config (you edit this) |
+| `progress.txt` | Accumulated learnings and iteration log (auto-populated) |
+
+## Git Behaviour
+
+- The script initialises a git repo if one doesn't exist
+- Creates/checks out `-BranchName` if provided
+- Pushes to remote after each iteration (silently skips if no remote configured)
+- Claude commits after implementing each task and after updating progress files