OpenClaw XGuardian

Overview

Create a macOS launchd-backed guardian that keeps OpenClaw running, auto-recovers on failure, and logs minimal operational events.

Workflow

1. Scaffold the project from assets.
2. Configure paths and OpenClaw CLI location.
3. Build the Go binary.
4. Install the LaunchAgent and reload.
5. Validate via logs and a stop/recovery test.

Steps

1) Scaffold from assets

Copy the template project into the target workspace:

cp -R /Users/xiong/.codex/skills/openclaw-xguardian/assets/guardian/* <TARGET_WORKSPACE>/

This copies:

• go.mod
• cmd/openclaw-guardian/main.go
• config.sample.json
• launchd/com.openclaw.guardian.plist

2) Configure paths

Edit the user config file at ~/.openclaw-guardian/config.json (create from config.sample.json). Key fields:

• openclaw_bin: absolute path from which openclaw
• config_path: usually ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json
• gateway_plist_path: usually ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ai.openclaw.gateway.plist
• log_path: e.g. ~/.openclaw-guardian/guardian.log
• verbose_logs: false by default for concise logs
• log_health_ok: false by default to avoid spam

3) Build

go build -o bin/openclaw-guardian ./cmd/openclaw-guardian

4) Install LaunchAgent (guardian)

Edit launchd/com.openclaw.guardian.plist and set:

• ProgramArguments: binary path + config path
• EnvironmentVariables/PATH: include your Node/OpenClaw path
• StandardOutPath/StandardErrorPath: desired log files

Then install and reload:

mkdir -p ~/Library/LaunchAgents
cp launchd/com.openclaw.guardian.plist ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
launchctl unload ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.openclaw.guardian.plist 2>/dev/null || true
launchctl load ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.openclaw.guardian.plist

5) Validate

• Check logs: tail -n 80 ~/.openclaw-guardian/guardian.log
• Optional: openclaw gateway stop and confirm recovery lines appear.

Troubleshooting

• env: node: No such file or directory: add Node path to LaunchAgent PATH and set openclaw_bin.
• Repeated install: ensure gateway_plist_path points to ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ai.openclaw.gateway.plist; guardian should bootstrap instead of reinstall.
• Too much logging: keep verbose_logs=false and log_health_ok=false.

Resources

assets/

Project template in assets/guardian/.