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Feedback Loop

Pattern

Pattern

Set up automated feedback, give AI permission to iterate autonomously until goal is reached.

  1. Identify clear success signal (tests pass, UI matches design, coverage hits X%)
  2. Give AI access to that signal (tests, devtools, linter, logs)
  3. Grant explicit permission: "Keep iterating until tests pass"
  4. Step away - AI checks its own work and keeps refining

Human elevates from tactical executor to strategic director.

Example

Bug fix with DevTools MCP:

  • Goal: Fix layout bug in web app
  • Signal: DevTools screenshots showing the visual issue
  • Setup: Point AI to devtools
  • Permission: "Keep trying until the layout matches the design"
  • AI iterates: change code → check screenshot → adjust → repeat

Debugging with console logs:

  • Goal: Understand why feature behaves incorrectly
  • Signal: Console output showing timing, state, assumptions
  • Setup: "Add console.log to help yourself understand what's wrong"
  • Permission: "Debug this until you find the root cause"
  • AI iterates: add logs → run → validate assumptions → adjust → repeat

Getting tests to pass:

  • Goal: All tests green
  • Signal: Test runner output
  • Permission: "Fix the failing tests, keep running them until they all pass"
  • AI iterates: read failure → fix code → run tests → repeat

CI monitoring:

  • Goal: Green CI build
  • Signal: Direct access to CI state/logs (e.g., via gh CLI)
  • Permission: "Monitor CI and fix issues until build passes"
  • AI iterates: check status → read logs → fix → push → check again
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