reflexion

name	reflexion
description	Use for self-correcting implementation. Implements the reflexion loop: implement, validate, self-critique, retry (max 3 iterations).

Reflexion Skill

Self-correcting implementation loop from the n-trax pattern.

Workflow

Iteration Loop (max 3)

Step 1: Implement

• Write code according to the specification/acceptance criteria.
• Follow engineering-principles.md.
• Apply patterns from patterns.md.
• Check corrections.md for relevant past mistakes.

Step 2: Validate

• Run all tests (unit, integration, e2e as applicable).
• Run linter and type checker.
• Run security scan.
• Run accessibility checks (if UI).
• Verify acceptance criteria.

Step 3: Self-Critique Review the implementation against:

• Engineering principles: DRY, KISS, YAGNI, SoC, SOLID, LoD, Clean Code
• Security: Input validation, output encoding, no secrets, parameterized queries
• Accessibility: Semantic HTML, keyboard nav, contrast, screen reader
• Edge cases: What happens with empty input? Null? Max values? Concurrent access?
• Error handling: Are errors handled gracefully? Are error messages helpful?
• Performance: Any obvious O(n^2) or worse? Unnecessary computation?
• Testability: Can this be tested in isolation? Are dependencies injectable?
• Naming: Do names reveal intent? Would a new reader understand this?

Step 4: Decide

• If all validations pass AND self-critique finds no issues: DONE
• If issues found AND iteration < 3: FIX and return to Step 1
• If iteration = 3 AND issues remain: ESCALATE with documented issues

Escalation Protocol

When max iterations reached without full resolution:

1. Document what was attempted in each iteration.
2. Document remaining issues with severity assessment.
3. Recommend: fix now (blocking) vs. fix later (non-blocking) vs. accept risk.
4. Update corrections.md with learnings.

Rules

• Each iteration must show measurable improvement over the previous.
• If the same issue recurs across iterations, investigate root cause rather than patching symptoms.
• Never skip the self-critique step, even if tests pass.
• Log the reflexion loop outcome in delivery-journal.md.

Theory Citations

• Reflexion pattern (Shinn et al.)
• Clean Code (Martin)
• OWASP secure coding
• WCAG 2.1 AA