Cycle

What This Skill Does

The Cycle skill is a powerful framework for OpenClaw AI agents to transform recurring, multi-step tasks into persistent, structured, and repeatable processes. Unlike simple ad-hoc commands, a Cycle allows the agent to maintain a logical progression through distinct, defined phases—such as planning, execution, verification, and delivery. By design, it helps users codify their best practices into a consistent workflow. Whether you are managing software development, academic research, or content creation, Cycle ensures that the agent follows a proven methodology every single time, reducing human error and ensuring high-quality outcomes.

Installation

To integrate the Cycle skill into your environment, use the following command in your terminal:

clawhub install openclaw/skills/skills/ivangdavila/cycle

Use Cases

• Software Development: Automate the transition from feature requests to code implementation, testing, and deployment.
• Content Creation: Manage a formal pipeline from brainstorming and drafting to editorial critique and final publishing.
• Strategic Research: Systematize information gathering by enforcing a loop of questioning, search queries, synthesis, and final reporting.
• Project Management: Standardize onboarding or recurring administrative reports to ensure no compliance steps are skipped.

Example Prompts

1. "I want to design a cycle for my weekly marketing reports. Can you help me map out the phases from data extraction to stakeholder delivery?"
2. "Let's create a code review cycle where you check for syntax errors, then security vulnerabilities, and finally stylistic compliance before finalizing the pull request."
3. "My research process is always messy. Help me build a cycle that forces you to summarize findings after every search phase so I can approve the direction before you proceed to the next step."

Tips & Limitations

• Focus on Structure: When designing a cycle, identify your handoff points clearly. Decide if a phase requires a 'human-in-the-loop' gate or if the agent can proceed autonomously.
• Cycle vs. Loop: Remember that Cycles move through different states, while Loops repeat the same action. If you find yourself doing the same thing until a condition is met, utilize the Loop skill alongside your Cycle.
• Refinement: A Cycle is not static. Treat it as a living document; if a specific phase consistently fails, update your Cycle definition to include better validation or error-handling steps.
• Constraints: Avoid over-engineering. A cycle should ideally have between 3 and 6 phases to maintain optimal performance and focus for the agent.