Ralph Wiggum

methodology active open-source

An autonomous AI coding methodology that runs AI agents in continuous bash loops until specifications are verifiably complete. Named after the persistently optimistic Simpsons character, Ralph Wiggum embraces "naive persistence" - keep trying until external verification confirms the job is actually done. Created by Geoffrey Huntley in May 2025, it has become the default pattern for overnight autonomous coding sessions.

Implements

Concepts this tool claims to implement:

  • Iterative Agent Loop primary

    Core methodology is a bash loop: while :; do cat PROMPT.md | claude-code; done Uses external verification (tests, builds) instead of LLM self-assessment.

  • Autonomous Agent primary

    Enables hours-long autonomous operation without human intervention. Documented overnight coding sessions producing working features.

  • Sandbox secondary

    Best practices require sandboxed execution (Docker, E2B, Modal) due to --dangerously-skip-permissions flag usage.

Integration Surfaces

  • Bash Script
  • Claude Code Plugin
  • Vercel SDK Wrapper

Details

Vendor
Geoffrey Huntley / Community
License
MIT
Runs On
local, cloud
Used By
human, agent

Links

Notes

Ralph Wiggum represents a paradigm shift from "chatting with AI" to "managing autonomous night shifts." Key insight: LLMs often prematurely declare tasks complete. By using external verification (tests, builds, explicit completion markers), the loop ensures actual completion rather than perceived completion. Two main implementations exist: 1. "Huntley Ralph" - Original chaotic bash loop, failures as data 2. "Official Ralph" - Anthropic plugin with structured stop hooks Documented wins include $50K contracts completed for $297 in API costs and overnight generation of multiple repositories.

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