| name | using-super-ralph |
| description | Use when the user explicitly invokes /using-super-ralph or asks which skills are available and how to use them - do NOT auto-invoke on every conversation |
If you were dispatched as a subagent to execute a specific task, skip this skill.
Instruction Priority
Super-Ralph sr- skills override default system prompt behavior, but user instructions always take precedence:
- User's explicit instructions (CLAUDE.md, GEMINI.md, AGENTS.md, direct requests) — highest priority
- Super-Ralph sr- skills — override default system behavior where they conflict
- Default system prompt — lowest priority
If CLAUDE.md, GEMINI.md, or AGENTS.md says "don't use TDD" and a skill says "always use TDD," follow the user's instructions. The user is in control.
How to Access Skills
Read the relevant SKILL.md file from the skills/ directory in this project. When you invoke a skill, its content is loaded and presented to you -- follow it directly.
Using Skills
The Rule
Invoke skills when they are clearly relevant to the current task, or when the user explicitly requests a skill. Skills are tools to help you work better, not bureaucratic checkpoints that must run on every interaction.
When to Invoke Skills
Invoke a skill when:
- The user explicitly requests it (e.g.,
/sr-brainstorming, /sr-tdd)
- The task clearly and unambiguously matches a skill's purpose
- You are about to start a major piece of work that benefits from structure
When NOT to Invoke Skills
Do NOT invoke skills for:
- Simple questions or conversations
- Committing code, creating PRs, or routine git operations
- Quick fixes, typo corrections, or small edits
- Continuing work that is already in progress with clear direction
- Tasks where the user has given specific, detailed instructions
- Reading files, exploring codebases, or gathering information
- Any task the user clearly wants done directly without ceremony
digraph skill_flow {
"User message received" [shape=doublecircle];
"Clearly matches a skill?" [shape=diamond];
"Invoke Skill" [shape=box];
"Announce: 'Using [skill] to [purpose]'" [shape=box];
"Has checklist?" [shape=diamond];
"Create todo per item" [shape=box];
"Follow skill exactly" [shape=box];
"Respond directly" [shape=doublecircle];
"User message received" -> "Clearly matches a skill?";
"Clearly matches a skill?" -> "Invoke Skill" [label="yes"];
"Clearly matches a skill?" -> "Respond directly" [label="no or unclear"];
"Invoke Skill" -> "Announce: 'Using [skill] to [purpose]'";
"Announce: 'Using [skill] to [purpose]'" -> "Has checklist?";
"Has checklist?" -> "Create todo per item" [label="yes"];
"Has checklist?" -> "Follow skill exactly" [label="no"];
"Create todo per item" -> "Follow skill exactly";
}
Skill Routing Table (Super-Ralph)
All Super-Ralph skills use the sr- prefix. Use the exact skill names below.
| Task Type | Skill to Invoke | When |
|---|
| New feature, creative work | sr-brainstorming | Before design or implementation |
| Create implementation plan | sr-writing-plans | After design is approved |
| Any implementation work | sr-test-driven-development | Features, bugs, refactoring |
| Bug, test failure, error | sr-systematic-debugging | Before proposing any fix |
| Claiming work is done | sr-verification-before-completion | Before commit or completion claim |
| Execute plan (same session) | sr-subagent-driven-development | Independent tasks with subagents |
| Execute plan (new session) | sr-executing-plans | Batch execution with checkpoints |
| After completing tasks | sr-requesting-code-review | Dispatch code-reviewer subagent |
| Received review feedback | sr-receiving-code-review | Evaluate feedback critically |
| All tasks done, integrate | sr-finishing-a-development-branch | Merge, PR, or cleanup |
| Need isolated workspace | sr-using-git-worktrees | Feature isolation |
| 3+ independent failures | sr-dispatching-parallel-agents | Parallel agents |
| Creating/editing skills | sr-writing-skills | TDD for skills |
Workflow chains:
- "Build a feature" → sr-brainstorming → sr-writing-plans → sr-test-driven-development
- "Fix this bug" → sr-systematic-debugging → sr-test-driven-development
- "Is this done?" → sr-verification-before-completion
- "Review this code" → sr-requesting-code-review
Skill Priority
When multiple skills could apply, use this order:
- Process skills first (sr-brainstorming, sr-systematic-debugging) - these determine HOW to approach the task
- Implementation skills second (sr-test-driven-development, sr-writing-plans) - these guide execution
Skill Types
Rigid (sr-test-driven-development, sr-systematic-debugging): Follow exactly. Don't adapt away discipline.
Flexible (patterns): Adapt principles to context.
The skill itself tells you which.
Enforcement Rules (During Active Ralph Loops)
- ANNOUNCE before using: Always say "I'm using sr-[skill-name] to [purpose]" before following a skill.
- Verify before claiming completion: Before any claim that work is done, run the actual commands and read the output.
- Investigate before fixing: If something is broken, complete root cause investigation before suggesting any fix.
- ONE fix at a time: Never bundle multiple fixes. Test each fix individually.
- Evidence before assertions: Every success claim requires command output proving it.
Red Flags
Stop and reassess if you catch yourself:
- Invoking skills for simple questions, quick fixes, or routine git operations
- Skipping skill invocation when the task clearly matches a skill's purpose
- Chaining multiple skills without user awareness (announce each one)
- Treating skills as optional when they are marked REQUIRED in a workflow
- Overriding user instructions with skill ceremony
Related Skills
- sr-brainstorming: Design exploration before implementation
- sr-writing-plans: Create implementation plans from designs
- sr-test-driven-development: Core implementation methodology
- sr-systematic-debugging: Root cause investigation for bugs
- sr-verification-before-completion: Evidence-based completion claims
User Instructions
When the user gives direct, specific instructions (e.g., "add this function", "fix this bug", "commit this"), execute them directly. Skills complement user instructions; they don't override them or add unnecessary ceremony.