[Feature]: Add `always_active` config option for ralph-loop
#1238 opened on Jan 29, 2026
Description
Prerequisites
- I will write this issue in English (see our Language Policy)
- I have searched existing issues and discussions to avoid duplicates
- This feature request is specific to oh-my-opencode (not OpenCode core)
- I have read the documentation
Problem Description
Currently, ralph-loop must be explicitly invoked with /ralph-loop "task" for each session. For users who want the "work until done" behavior as their default workflow, this requires:
- Remembering to start every task with
/ralph-loop - Re-invoking
/ralph-loopafter session restarts - Extra friction for teams who've adopted ralph-loop as their standard practice
Many power users (myself included) find that ralph-loop's iterative completion model is superior to the default "respond once and stop" behavior. We'd like to make it the default without modifying prompts.
Proposed Solution
Add an always_active configuration option to ralph_loop:
{
"ralph_loop": {
"enabled": true,
"default_max_iterations": 100,
"always_active": true // NEW: Auto-activate ralph-loop for all prompts
}
}
Behavior when always_active: true:
- Every user prompt automatically triggers ralph-loop behavior
- Agent continues working until
<promise>DONE</promise>is detected - Same iteration limits and completion detection as
/ralph-loop - Can still be cancelled with
/cancel-ralph
Implementation Suggestion
Leverage the existing keyword-detector hook pattern:
// In keyword-detector or new UserPromptSubmit hook
if (config.ralph_loop.always_active) {
// Inject ralph-loop mode into session state
// Similar to how "ultrawork" mode is auto-activated
}
Alternatively, the Stop hook could check config.ralph_loop.always_active in addition to checking for the state file.
Alternatives Considered
| Alternative | Why Not Ideal |
|---|---|
Always prefix prompts with /ralph-loop |
Tedious, error-prone, easy to forget |
| Modify system prompt to include ralph behavior | Doesn't leverage the Stop hook's continuation mechanism |
| Custom UserPromptSubmit hook | Would work but requires users to write code; should be built-in |
Use /ulw-loop always |
Same problem - still requires explicit invocation |
Use Cases
- Teams with "always iterate" policy - Organizations that want agents to work autonomously until completion
- Complex projects - Where tasks naturally require multiple iterations
- Background workflows - Where ralph-loop's continuation model is expected behavior
Related Issues
- #952 - ralph-loop not loading (existing bugs)
- #900 - ralph-loop argument parsing
- #1233 - Ralph Loop completion detection
Doctor Output (Optional)
N/A - this is a feature request
Additional Context
The keyword-detector hook already sets modes based on keywords (ultrawork, search, analyze). Adding ralph-loop as an "always on" mode would follow the same architectural pattern but triggered by config rather than keywords.
Feature Type
Configuration Enhancement
Contribution
- I'm willing to help with testing
- I can help with documentation