work-next-task

Select and complete the next unblocked task from tasks.json, updating progress.md.

Updated Apr 15, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dgowrie/claude-workflows --skill work-next-task
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: work-next-task
Source: https://github.com/dgowrie/claude-workflows/tree/main/skills/work-next-task
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dgowrie/claude-workflows --skill work-next-task

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Automates progression of a Ralph-driven milestone by selecting and completing the next unblocked, highest-priority task in .claude/milestones/<slug>/tasks.json.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Single-iteration Ralph loop to advance milestones by processing one open task at a time.
  • Selects the next unblocked, highest-priority task and updates its status, while recording progress in progress.md.
  • Supports standard and autonomous modes (with push + draft PRs) for multi-user collaboration.

Quick Start

Run the work-next-task skill on your local milestone to advance the next unblocked task in your tasks.json.

Frequently Asked Questions about work-next-task

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I automate progressing tasks in a milestone workflow?

Automate milestone progression by selecting and completing the next unblocked, highest-priority task in tasks.json. The skill runs a single Ralph loop iteration to pick up the next task, verify results, commit changes, and update progress logs automatically.

How does a Ralph loop iteration update task status and progress logs?

A Ralph loop iteration reads top entries from progress.md, updates the status of a single task per iteration in tasks.json, and logs structured pickup and success/failure entries. This ensures milestone progression is tracked and verifiable.

Can I run milestone task automation in autonomous mode to push changes and draft PRs?

Yes, milestone task automation supports autonomous mode to push changes and draft PRs. This enables multi-user collaboration by automatically committing completed tasks and creating pull requests without manual intervention.

Do I need a tasks.json file to advance a milestone with this workflow?

Yes, you need a tasks.json file located at .claude/milestones/<slug>/tasks.json. The skill validates the presence of inputs before selecting the next unblocked, highest-priority task to process.

What is the best way to pick up the next unblocked task in a milestone task list?

The best way is to use a single-iteration Ralph loop that selects the next unblocked, highest-priority task from tasks.json. It advances one open task at a time, updates its status, and records progress in progress.md.

Why does my milestone task progression only process one task at a time?

Milestone task progression processes one task per iteration by design. This single-iteration Ralph loop approach ensures each task is verified, committed, and logged before advancing to the next unblocked task in the workflow.