$ulw-loop
A self-referential loop that keeps working until an Oracle verifies the result is actually done.
$ulw-loop is LazyCodex's persistence command. It runs a self-referential development loop that does not stop on a hopeful status update — it stops only when an Oracle has verified the result against evidence.
Use it when the task is open-ended and you want completion judged by proof, not by the agent declaring victory.
Syntax
$ulw-loop "task description" [--completion-promise=TEXT] [--strategy=reset|continue]| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
"task description" | The outcome to drive toward. State the result you want, not the steps. |
--completion-promise=TEXT | The exact phrase the agent must emit when it believes the work is done. |
--strategy=reset | Start each iteration from a clean slate. |
--strategy=continue | Carry context forward across iterations. |
How it works
The loop is deliberately not allowed to end on the agent's own say-so.
Work continuously
The agent plans, executes, and gathers evidence — the same outcome-first, evidence-driven discipline that the ultrawork mode enforces.
Emit the completion promise
When the agent believes the task is finished, it emits <promise>DONE</promise> (or your --completion-promise text). This signals intent — it does not end the loop.
Oracle verifies
An Oracle reviews the result against the evidence. The loop ends only after the system confirms the Oracle verified it.
Continue on failure
If verification fails, the loop keeps going with the message: "Oracle verification failed. Continuing ULTRAWORK loop."
Iteration limits
The loop is bounded so it cannot run forever:
| Mode | Iteration cap |
|---|---|
| ultrawork mode | 500 |
| normal mode | 100 |
When to use it
- The task is open-ended — "make the flaky test suite pass," "get the build green," "land this migration."
- You want completion judged by evidence, not by a status report.
- You are willing to let the agent keep iterating until the Oracle signs off.
For decision-heavy work that needs a plan before code, reach for $ulw-plan instead. To execute an existing plan to the last checkbox, use $start-work.