Smart Ralph
A plugin for Claude Code and Codex: turns a feature request into a spec and executes it task by task with fresh context
Medium risk
We rate an entry medium when the tool runs code, makes network calls or reads project files. Check what exactly it does before installing.
Why this level
- Autonomously writes code and changes project files
- Runs commands and quality checks in the execution loop
Install
In your terminal, with SkillFoxx CLI
npx skillfoxx add plugins/smart-ralphDetects the agents on your machine, checks the risk and pins the version.
Other ways to install
Assembled automatically, review before installing.
Run one by one in the Claude Code chat
/plugin marketplace add tzachbon/smart-ralph
/plugin install ralph-speckit@smart-ralphIn Claude Code run /plugin marketplace add tzachbon/smart-ralph, then /plugin install ralph-specum@smart-ralph and restart the agent. Start a feature with /ralph-specum:start.
Other ways from the author
/plugin marketplace add tzachbon/smart-ralph
/plugin install ralph-specum@smart-ralphRestart Claude Code after installation.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
Smart Ralph drives development from a spec. From a feature request it builds research, requirements, design and a task list, then executes them one at a time, each with fresh context. The spec files stay in the project, so each phase can be reviewed and edited before execution. A large goal can first be split into dependency-aware specs through triage. Progress is recorded between tasks and work resumes after a stop. Each phase is run by a focused agent: research, product, architect, task planner, executor. An optional prototype tests one design question without turning throwaway code into production.
Who it is for. For developers who want to run a feature from a spec and keep an autonomous loop under control.
Good fit when
- You need to turn a feature request into a spec and execute it step by step
- A large goal needs splitting into dependency-aware specs
- You want an autonomous loop where each phase can be reviewed before execution
Not a fit when
- You need a one-off small change without a spec process
- You do not work in Claude Code or Codex
Example request
Build a spec for adding JWT authentication and execute the tasks one at a time with my approvalsLimitations
It targets Claude Code and Codex and does not work outside them. In Codex, automatic task execution needs the bundled Stop hook enabled, otherwise each task is run by hand. The autonomous loop writes code and runs checks, and the result needs review at approval points.
How to disable. Uninstall the ralph-specum plugin via /plugin in Claude Code or via codex plugin remove in Codex.
Security check
- Autonomously writes code and changes project files
- Runs commands and quality checks in the execution loop
README in short
The README describes Smart Ralph as a spec-driven development plugin for Claude Code and Codex that combines a Ralph-style loop with an ordered process. It creates research, requirements, design and task files before implementation, and splits large goals through triage. Specs stay in the project for review and edits, and progress persists between tasks. Each phase is run by a focused agent, with an optional prototype to test one design question. Install is through the plugin marketplace for Claude Code and codex plugin marketplace add for Codex. MIT licensed.
FAQ
What is quick mode?
With --quick, Smart Ralph generates all spec phases and moves straight to execution without stops between them.
Does it need external plugins?
No, the execution loop is self-contained and has no external plugin dependencies. In Codex, the bundled Stop hook enables automatic task execution.
Related
A skills library that gives coding agents a development process: brainstorming, planning, TDD, subagents and code review
Skills for real engineers by Matt Pocock
Skills For Real Engineers
Small composable skills for engineering with agents: plan grilling, TDD, bug diagnosis, code review and architecture
GitHub toolkit for spec-driven development: the specify CLI adds agent commands and skills to a project, from principles to implementation
Reference MCP servers
Model Context Protocol servers
Official reference MCP servers: Filesystem, Fetch, Git, Memory, Sequential Thinking, Time and Everything