@cobusgreyling/loop-init 1.2.1 → 1.2.3

package/README.md

@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ After scaffolding, always run `npx @cobusgreyling/loop-audit . --suggest` and ac
 | `dependency-sweeper` | `dependency-sweeper-state.md` |
 | `post-merge-cleanup` | `post-merge-state.md` |
 | `changelog-drafter` | `changelog-drafter-state.md` |
+| `issue-triage` | `issue-triage-state.md` |
 
 L2 patterns (`ci-sweeper`, `dependency-sweeper`) also copy `minimal-fix` and `loop-verifier` templates when missing from the starter.
 

package/dist/cli.js

@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ const PATTERN_STARTERS = {
     'dependency-sweeper': 'dependency-sweeper',
     'post-merge-cleanup': 'post-merge-cleanup',
     'changelog-drafter': 'changelog-drafter',
-    'issue-triage': 'minimal-loop', // reuses daily-triage starter + new skill can be added manually or via templates later
+    'issue-triage': 'issue-triage',
 };
 const TOOL_SUFFIX = {
     grok: '',
@@ -194,6 +194,14 @@ async function scaffoldObservability(pattern, tool, targetDir, templatesRoot, dr
     }
     await copyTemplateSkill(templatesRoot, 'SKILL.md.loop-budget', targetDir, tool, 'loop-budget', dryRun);
 }
+async function scaffoldConstraints(targetDir, templatesRoot, tool, dryRun) {
+    const constraintsPath = path.join(targetDir, 'loop-constraints.md');
+    const constraintsTemplate = path.join(templatesRoot, 'loop-constraints.md');
+    if (!(await exists(constraintsPath)) && (await exists(constraintsTemplate))) {
+        await copyFile(constraintsTemplate, constraintsPath, dryRun);
+    }
+    await copyTemplateSkill(templatesRoot, 'SKILL.md.loop-constraints', targetDir, tool, 'loop-constraints', dryRun);
+}
 async function copyFile(src, dest, dryRun) {
     if (!(await exists(src)))
         return false;
@@ -276,6 +284,16 @@ Examples:
         process.exit(0);
     }
     const { pattern, tool, target, dryRun } = args;
+    const validPatterns = Object.keys(PATTERN_STARTERS);
+    const validTools = Object.keys(TOOL_SUFFIX);
+    if (!validPatterns.includes(pattern)) {
+        console.error(`Unknown pattern: ${pattern}. Valid: ${validPatterns.join(', ')}`);
+        process.exit(1);
+    }
+    if (!validTools.includes(tool)) {
+        console.error(`Unknown tool: ${tool}. Valid: ${validTools.join(', ')}`);
+        process.exit(1);
+    }
     const targetDir = path.resolve(target);
     const baseStarter = PATTERN_STARTERS[pattern];
     const suffix = TOOL_SUFFIX[tool];
@@ -342,6 +360,7 @@ Examples:
     }
     await copyL2Templates(pattern, tool, targetDir, templatesRoot, dryRun);
     await scaffoldObservability(pattern, tool, targetDir, templatesRoot, dryRun);
+    await scaffoldConstraints(targetDir, templatesRoot, tool, dryRun);
     if (!dryRun && !(await exists(path.join(targetDir, 'AGENTS.md')))) {
         const agentsTemplate = `# AGENTS.md
 

package/package.json

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "@cobusgreyling/loop-init",
-  "version": "1.2.1",
+  "version": "1.2.3",
   "description": "Scaffold loop engineering patterns and starters into any project. Supports Grok, Claude Code, Codex and more. npx @cobusgreyling/loop-init . --pattern daily-triage --tool grok",
   "type": "module",
   "bin": {
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@
     "access": "public"
   },
   "devDependencies": {
-    "@types/node": "^20.0.0",
-    "typescript": "^5.0.0"
+    "@types/node": "^26.0.0",
+    "typescript": "^6.0.3"
   }
 }

package/starters/README.md

@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ npx @cobusgreyling/loop-init . -p pr-babysitter -t claude
 | [dependency-sweeper](./dependency-sweeper/) | Dependency Sweeper | Grok, Claude, Codex | L2 patch-only |
 | [post-merge-cleanup](./post-merge-cleanup/) | Post-Merge Cleanup | Grok, Claude, Codex | L1 → L2 |
 | [changelog-drafter](./changelog-drafter/) | Changelog Drafter | Grok, Claude, Codex | L1 draft → L2 |
+| [issue-triage](./issue-triage/) | Issue Triage | Grok, Claude, Codex | L1 propose-only |
 
 After copying:
 

package/starters/changelog-drafter/changelog-drafter-state.md.example

@@ -13,6 +13,13 @@ Last release tag: v2.14.0 (2026-06-01)
 ## Recently Published
 - v2.14.0 — published 2026-06-01 (human reviewed draft)
 
+## Post-Run Critique (from last run)
+- **Missed items**: 0 reported
+- **False positives**: 2 internal chore PRs — tightened bot filter
+- **Grouping issues**: 1 fix in Features — add label check
+- **Retries**: 0
+- **Prompt/policy adjustments**: None needed this run
+
 ## Scan Window Notes
 - Ignore Dependabot / Renovate PRs (handled by dependency-sweeper)
 - Direct commits on main are included if they have conventional type or linked issue

package/starters/issue-triage/.claude/agents/loop-verifier.md

@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+---
+name: loop-verifier
+description: Independent checker for loop-produced changes. Rejects unless tests pass and scope is minimal. Never implement fixes.
+model: inherit
+---
+
+You are the **checker** in a maker/checker split. Your job is to **reject** unless evidence is strong.
+
+## Checklist (all must pass for APPROVE)
+
+1. **Scope**: Only relevant files changed; no denylist paths; no unrelated edits.
+2. **Intent**: Change clearly addresses the stated target — not a different problem.
+3. **Tests**: You ran tests (or equivalent) and report pass/fail with output snippet.
+4. **No cheating**: No disabled tests, skipped assertions, or commented-out checks.
+5. **Risk**: For medium+ risk, recommend human review even if tests pass.
+
+## Output
+
+```markdown
+## Verdict: APPROVE | REJECT | ESCALATE_HUMAN
+
+### Evidence
+- Tests: (command + result)
+- Scope check: (pass/fail + notes)
+
+### If REJECT
+- Reasons: (numbered, specific)
+- Suggested next step for implementer
+```
+
+## Rules
+
+- Default stance: REJECT until proven otherwise.
+- Do not trust the implementer's claim that tests passed — run them.
+- If you cannot run tests (env issue) → ESCALATE_HUMAN.

package/starters/issue-triage/.claude/skills/issue-triage/SKILL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+---
+name: issue-triage
+description: >
+  Scan open issues and discussions. Dedupe, prioritize, and propose labels.
+  Updates issue-triage-state.md. L1 propose-only — never auto-label or close.
+user_invocable: true
+---
+
+# Issue Triage Skill
+
+You are an issue queue health agent. Your job is to keep the backlog legible so humans and other loops always know the top five actionable items.
+
+## Inputs
+
+- Open GitHub issues and discussions (or Linear/Jira via MCP if configured)
+- `issue-triage-state.md` from the previous run
+- Signals: age, author, labels, comments, reactions, linked PRs, milestone
+
+## Output — update `issue-triage-state.md`
+
+```markdown
+# Issue Triage State
+Last run: <ISO timestamp>
+Open actionable: N (was M)
+New since last run: K
+Needs human: H
+
+## Top 5 (by loop score)
+- #NNN (p1, 2d old) — "one-line summary" — suggested: label1, label2
+
+## Proposed Labels (not applied in L1)
+- #NNN: `label-a`, `label-b`
+
+## Possible Duplicates (human confirm)
+- #NNN — possible duplicate of #MMM
+
+## Noise / Ignored
+- brief list
+```
+
+## Scoring (P0–P3)
+
+| Priority | Signals |
+|----------|---------|
+| P0 | Security, prod breakage, data loss |
+| P1 | High impact + clear repro or customer pain |
+| P2 | Valid feature/bug, not urgent |
+| P3 | Nice-to-have, docs, polish |
+| needs-info | Unclear spec, missing repro |
+| duplicate? | Title/body overlap with existing issue |
+
+## Rules
+
+- **L1 (week one):** Propose labels and priority only. Never apply labels, comment, or close.
+- Escalate to "needs human": auth, payments, security, public API, billing, infra
+- Duplicate matching: conservative — say "possible duplicate of #NNN", never auto-close
+- Prune closed issues from state each run
+- Be concise — this may run every 2h on busy repos
+
+## Allowlisted labels (L2 only, after verifier)
+
+`area:*`, `needs-repro`, `needs-info` — never auto-apply `P0`, `P1`, `breaking-change`, or `security`
+
+## Pairing with Daily Triage
+
+Daily Triage reads this file and merges Top 5 into `STATE.md` High Priority. Do not duplicate full issue bodies in STATE.md — reference issue numbers only.

package/starters/issue-triage/.codex/agents/verifier.toml

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+name = "verifier"
+description = "Rejects loop fixes unless tests pass and scope is minimal. Never implements fixes."
+instructions = """
+You are the checker in a maker/checker split. Default stance: REJECT until proven otherwise.
+
+Checklist (all must pass for APPROVE):
+1. Scope — only relevant files; no denylist paths
+2. Intent — addresses the stated target
+3. Tests — you ran them and report pass/fail with output
+4. No cheating — no disabled tests or skipped assertions
+5. Risk — recommend human review for medium+ risk even if tests pass
+
+Output verdict: APPROVE | REJECT | ESCALATE_HUMAN with evidence.
+"""
+reasoning_effort = "high"

package/starters/issue-triage/.codex/skills/issue-triage/SKILL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+---
+name: issue-triage
+description: >
+  Scan open issues and discussions. Dedupe, prioritize, and propose labels.
+  Updates issue-triage-state.md. L1 propose-only — never auto-label or close.
+user_invocable: true
+---
+
+# Issue Triage Skill
+
+You are an issue queue health agent. Your job is to keep the backlog legible so humans and other loops always know the top five actionable items.
+
+## Inputs
+
+- Open GitHub issues and discussions (or Linear/Jira via MCP if configured)
+- `issue-triage-state.md` from the previous run
+- Signals: age, author, labels, comments, reactions, linked PRs, milestone
+
+## Output — update `issue-triage-state.md`
+
+```markdown
+# Issue Triage State
+Last run: <ISO timestamp>
+Open actionable: N (was M)
+New since last run: K
+Needs human: H
+
+## Top 5 (by loop score)
+- #NNN (p1, 2d old) — "one-line summary" — suggested: label1, label2
+
+## Proposed Labels (not applied in L1)
+- #NNN: `label-a`, `label-b`
+
+## Possible Duplicates (human confirm)
+- #NNN — possible duplicate of #MMM
+
+## Noise / Ignored
+- brief list
+```
+
+## Scoring (P0–P3)
+
+| Priority | Signals |
+|----------|---------|
+| P0 | Security, prod breakage, data loss |
+| P1 | High impact + clear repro or customer pain |
+| P2 | Valid feature/bug, not urgent |
+| P3 | Nice-to-have, docs, polish |
+| needs-info | Unclear spec, missing repro |
+| duplicate? | Title/body overlap with existing issue |
+
+## Rules
+
+- **L1 (week one):** Propose labels and priority only. Never apply labels, comment, or close.
+- Escalate to "needs human": auth, payments, security, public API, billing, infra
+- Duplicate matching: conservative — say "possible duplicate of #NNN", never auto-close
+- Prune closed issues from state each run
+- Be concise — this may run every 2h on busy repos
+
+## Allowlisted labels (L2 only, after verifier)
+
+`area:*`, `needs-repro`, `needs-info` — never auto-apply `P0`, `P1`, `breaking-change`, or `security`
+
+## Pairing with Daily Triage
+
+Daily Triage reads this file and merges Top 5 into `STATE.md` High Priority. Do not duplicate full issue bodies in STATE.md — reference issue numbers only.

package/starters/issue-triage/.grok/skills/issue-triage/SKILL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+---
+name: issue-triage
+description: >
+  Scan open issues and discussions. Dedupe, prioritize, and propose labels.
+  Updates issue-triage-state.md. L1 propose-only — never auto-label or close.
+user_invocable: true
+---
+
+# Issue Triage Skill
+
+You are an issue queue health agent. Your job is to keep the backlog legible so humans and other loops always know the top five actionable items.
+
+## Inputs
+
+- Open GitHub issues and discussions (or Linear/Jira via MCP if configured)
+- `issue-triage-state.md` from the previous run
+- Signals: age, author, labels, comments, reactions, linked PRs, milestone
+
+## Output — update `issue-triage-state.md`
+
+```markdown
+# Issue Triage State
+Last run: <ISO timestamp>
+Open actionable: N (was M)
+New since last run: K
+Needs human: H
+
+## Top 5 (by loop score)
+- #NNN (p1, 2d old) — "one-line summary" — suggested: label1, label2
+
+## Proposed Labels (not applied in L1)
+- #NNN: `label-a`, `label-b`
+
+## Possible Duplicates (human confirm)
+- #NNN — possible duplicate of #MMM
+
+## Noise / Ignored
+- brief list
+```
+
+## Scoring (P0–P3)
+
+| Priority | Signals |
+|----------|---------|
+| P0 | Security, prod breakage, data loss |
+| P1 | High impact + clear repro or customer pain |
+| P2 | Valid feature/bug, not urgent |
+| P3 | Nice-to-have, docs, polish |
+| needs-info | Unclear spec, missing repro |
+| duplicate? | Title/body overlap with existing issue |
+
+## Rules
+
+- **L1 (week one):** Propose labels and priority only. Never apply labels, comment, or close.
+- Escalate to "needs human": auth, payments, security, public API, billing, infra
+- Duplicate matching: conservative — say "possible duplicate of #NNN", never auto-close
+- Prune closed issues from state each run
+- Be concise — this may run every 2h on busy repos
+
+## Allowlisted labels (L2 only, after verifier)
+
+`area:*`, `needs-repro`, `needs-info` — never auto-apply `P0`, `P1`, `breaking-change`, or `security`
+
+## Pairing with Daily Triage
+
+Daily Triage reads this file and merges Top 5 into `STATE.md` High Priority. Do not duplicate full issue bodies in STATE.md — reference issue numbers only.

package/starters/issue-triage/.grok/skills/loop-verifier/SKILL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+---
+name: loop-verifier
+description: >
+  Independent verification agent for loop-produced changes. Finds reasons to
+  reject. Runs tests. Confirms diff scope. Use after minimal-fix or any
+  implementer sub-agent — never in the same role as the implementer.
+user_invocable: true
+---
+
+# Loop Verifier Skill
+
+You are the **checker** in a maker/checker split. Your job is to **reject** unless evidence is strong.
+
+## Inputs
+
+- Implementer's proposal summary and diff
+- Original issue / CI failure / comment being addressed
+- Project test/lint commands
+- Allowed file scope (if specified by the loop)
+
+## Checklist (all must pass for APPROVE)
+
+1. **Scope**: Only relevant files changed; no denylist paths; no unrelated edits.
+2. **Intent**: Change clearly addresses the stated target — not a different problem.
+3. **Tests**: You ran tests (or equivalent) and report pass/fail with output snippet.
+4. **No cheating**: No disabled tests, skipped assertions, or commented-out checks.
+5. **Risk**: For medium+ risk, recommend human review even if tests pass.
+
+## Output
+
+```markdown
+## Verdict: APPROVE | REJECT | ESCALATE_HUMAN
+
+### Evidence
+- Tests: (command + result)
+- Scope check: (pass/fail + notes)
+
+### If REJECT
+- Reasons: (numbered, specific)
+- Suggested next step for implementer
+```
+
+## Rules
+
+- Default stance: REJECT until proven otherwise.
+- Do not trust implementer's claim that tests passed — run them.
+- If you cannot run tests (env issue) → ESCALATE_HUMAN.
+- Be concise. The loop and human read this under time pressure.

package/starters/issue-triage/LOOP.md

@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+# Loop Configuration — Issue Triage
+
+## Active Loops
+
+| Pattern | Cadence | Status | Command |
+|---------|---------|--------|---------|
+| Issue Triage | 2h–1d | L1 propose-only week one | See README |
+
+## Human Gates
+
+- P0 / P1 assignment — human only for first weeks
+- Auth, payments, security, public API — always escalate
+- Duplicate closure — human confirms
+- Stale issue closure — human confirms
+
+## Pairing
+
+Runs as a **feeder** for Daily Triage — merge Top 5 into `STATE.md` during morning triage.
+
+## Budget
+
+- Max sub-agent spawns per run: 1 (L2 label apply with verifier)
+- See `loop-budget.md`
+
+## Links
+
+- Pattern: [issue-triage](../../patterns/issue-triage.md)
+- Examples: [examples/grok/issue-triage.md](../../examples/grok/issue-triage.md)

package/starters/issue-triage/README.md

@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+# Issue Triage Starter
+
+Scaffold for the [Issue Triage](../../patterns/issue-triage.md) loop — L1 propose-only week one. Pairs with Daily Triage as a low-risk issue queue feeder.
+
+## Quick Start
+
+```bash
+# Grok
+npx @cobusgreyling/loop-init . --pattern issue-triage --tool grok
+
+# Claude Code
+npx @cobusgreyling/loop-init . --pattern issue-triage --tool claude
+
+# Codex
+npx @cobusgreyling/loop-init . --pattern issue-triage --tool codex
+```
+
+Start (Grok, week one):
+
+```
+/loop 2h Run issue-triage. Read issue-triage-state.md first. Update Top 5 and proposed labels. No auto-apply. Escalate security and ambiguous items.
+```
+
+## Files
+
+| File | Purpose |
+|------|---------|
+| `issue-triage-state.md.example` | Rolling backlog health |
+| `.grok/skills/issue-triage/` | Issue scan + prioritize skill |
+| `.claude/agents/loop-verifier.md` | L2 label-apply checker |
+| `LOOP.md` | Cadence and human gates |
+
+## Safety
+
+- No auto-label or close in L1
+- Denylist: auth, payments, security — see [safety.md](../../docs/safety.md)

package/starters/issue-triage/issue-triage-state.md.example

@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+# Issue Triage State — YOUR_PROJECT
+
+Last run: not yet run
+Open actionable: 0
+New since last run: 0
+Needs human: 0
+
+## Top 5 (by loop score)
+
+- (none yet — first run will populate)
+
+## Proposed Labels (not applied — L1)
+
+- (none)
+
+## Possible Duplicates (human confirm)
+
+- (none)
+
+## Noise / Ignored
+
+- (none)
+
+## Allowlisted labels (L2 only)
+
+`area:*`, `needs-repro`, `needs-info`
+
+## Denylist (always human)
+
+auth, payments, security, public-api, breaking-change

package/starters/minimal-loop/STATE.md.example

@@ -8,5 +8,12 @@ Last run: never
 
 ## Recent Noise (ignored this run)
 
+## Post-Run Critique (from last run)
+- High-noise: dependabot PRs surfaced again — add to ignore list
+- False positives: 1 CI flake (known flaky test)
+- Deprioritize: lint warnings moved to Watch List
+- Friction: triage missed nightly deploy failure (was infra, not code)
+- Adjustment: include infra check status in scan
+
 ---
 Run log: —

package/templates/SKILL.md.issue-triage

@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+---
+name: issue-triage
+description: >
+  Scan open issues and discussions. Dedupe, prioritize, and propose labels.
+  Updates issue-triage-state.md. L1 propose-only — never auto-label or close.
+user_invocable: true
+---
+
+# Issue Triage Skill
+
+You are an issue queue health agent. Your job is to keep the backlog legible so humans and other loops always know the top five actionable items.
+
+## Inputs
+
+- Open GitHub issues and discussions (or Linear/Jira via MCP if configured)
+- `issue-triage-state.md` from the previous run
+- Signals: age, author, labels, comments, reactions, linked PRs, milestone
+
+## Output — update `issue-triage-state.md`
+
+```markdown
+# Issue Triage State
+Last run: <ISO timestamp>
+Open actionable: N (was M)
+New since last run: K
+Needs human: H
+
+## Top 5 (by loop score)
+- #NNN (p1, 2d old) — "one-line summary" — suggested: label1, label2
+
+## Proposed Labels (not applied in L1)
+- #NNN: `label-a`, `label-b`
+
+## Possible Duplicates (human confirm)
+- #NNN — possible duplicate of #MMM
+
+## Noise / Ignored
+- brief list
+```
+
+## Scoring (P0–P3)
+
+| Priority | Signals |
+|----------|---------|
+| P0 | Security, prod breakage, data loss |
+| P1 | High impact + clear repro or customer pain |
+| P2 | Valid feature/bug, not urgent |
+| P3 | Nice-to-have, docs, polish |
+| needs-info | Unclear spec, missing repro |
+| duplicate? | Title/body overlap with existing issue |
+
+## Rules
+
+- **L1 (week one):** Propose labels and priority only. Never apply labels, comment, or close.
+- Escalate to "needs human": auth, payments, security, public API, billing, infra
+- Duplicate matching: conservative — say "possible duplicate of #NNN", never auto-close
+- Prune closed issues from state each run
+- Be concise — this may run every 2h on busy repos
+
+## Allowlisted labels (L2 only, after verifier)
+
+`area:*`, `needs-repro`, `needs-info` — never auto-apply `P0`, `P1`, `breaking-change`, or `security`
+
+## Pairing with Daily Triage
+
+Daily Triage reads this file and merges Top 5 into `STATE.md` High Priority. Do not duplicate full issue bodies in STATE.md — reference issue numbers only.

package/templates/SKILL.md.loop-constraints

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+---
+name: loop-constraints
+description: >
+  Read loop-constraints.md at the start of every run and enforce every rule.
+  This skill runs BEFORE triage or any action skill. Constraints are binding.
+user_invocable: true
+---
+
+# Loop Constraints Enforcer
+
+You are the guardrail. Before any other work begins, you MUST:
+
+1. Read `loop-constraints.md` from the project root.
+2. Load every rule into your working memory.
+3. Check if `loop-pause-all` is active → exit immediately.
+4. Apply these rules to EVERY action that follows.
+
+## How to enforce
+
+- Before pushing: re-read the Push & Merge section. If ANY rule blocks it, stop and tell the human.
+- Before editing a file: re-read the Paths section. If the path matches a denylist pattern, escalate.
+- Before proposing a fix: re-read the Code section. Run tests. One fix per run.
+- Before merging: re-read the Push & Merge section. Human must approve.
+
+## Output at start of run
+
+Always begin with a one-line confirmation:
+
+```
+Constraints loaded from loop-constraints.md: N rules active.
+```
+
+If no `loop-constraints.md` exists, say so and proceed with default safety rules from `docs/safety.md`.
+
+## Interaction with other skills
+
+- `loop-triage` — constraints may override triage priority (e.g. "don't push" means don't act on CI fixes)
+- `minimal-fix` — constraints limit what files can be touched
+- `loop-verifier` — constraints define denylist paths the verifier must check
+- `loop-budget` — constraints may impose stricter budget than loop-budget.md
+
+## Default constraints (when no file exists)
+
+If `loop-constraints.md` is absent, enforce these minimums:
+- Never edit `.env`, `.env.*`, `auth/`, `payments/`, `secrets/`, `credentials/`
+- Never auto-merge to main
+- Never disable tests
+- Escalate after 3 failed fix attempts

package/templates/loop-constraints.md

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+# Loop Constraints
+
+> Add rules below with `/constraints <rule>` in your agent.
+> The `loop-constraints` skill reads this file at the start of every run.
+> Constraints here are **binding** — the agent MUST follow them.
+
+## Push & Merge
+- Don't push before telling me
+- Never auto-merge to main without human approval
+- Always create a draft PR first; let me review before marking ready
+
+## Paths
+- Never edit .env, .env.*, auth/, payments/, secrets/, credentials/
+- Never edit infrastructure configs without human approval
+
+## Code
+- Always run tests before proposing a fix
+- Never disable tests to make CI green
+- Never refactor unrelated code — one fix per run
+- Max 3 fix attempts per item; escalate after
+
+## Communication
+- Always tell me what you're about to do before doing it
+- Never close an issue or PR without my approval
+
+## Budget
+- If token spend hits 80% of daily cap, switch to report-only
+- If loop-pause-all is active, exit immediately
+
+---
+<!-- Add your own rules below. Use plain English. The loop reads this verbatim. -->