openclaw - 💡(How to fix) Fix Bug: Infinite edit loop when editing context-loaded files [1 comments, 1 participants]

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openclaw/openclaw#70670Fetched 2026-04-24 05:54:54
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Error Message

  1. Confirmation prompt: Warn or pause after edits to files currently in context
RAW_BUFFERClick to expand / collapse

Bug Description

When an agent edits a file that is also loaded into the current context prompt (e.g. MEMORY.md, SOUL.md), the updated file is automatically reloaded into the context after the first edit. If the agent is still responding in the same turn, it sees the updated file and may issue another edit — creating an infinite loop.

Severity

High — blocks the main channel, agent becomes completely unresponsive.

Reproduction

  1. Agent receives instruction to update MEMORY.md
  2. Agent edits MEMORY.md
  3. Context reloads the updated file into the prompt
  4. Agent, still in the same response turn, sees MEMORY.md was updated and issues another edit
  5. Loop: step 3 repeats → agent crashes or hangs

This happened in a real session on 2026-04-23 when Cleo tried to update MEMORY.md with new rules.

Proposed Fixes (any of)

  1. No reload in same turn: After an edit, do not reload the edited file back into the context for the remainder of that response turn
  2. Annotation flag: Allow files to be marked as "do not reload" after editing
  3. Confirmation prompt: Warn or pause after edits to files currently in context
  4. Chain detection: Detect when the same file is targeted by multiple edits in one turn and prompt before continuing

Environment

  • OpenClaw version: 2026.4.15
  • Model: MiniMax M2.7
  • Channel: Telegram main session
  • Files affected: workspace .md files loaded into context prompt

extent analysis

TL;DR

Implementing a mechanism to prevent the context from reloading an edited file within the same response turn can resolve the infinite loop issue.

Guidance

  • Identify the specific conditions under which the infinite loop occurs, focusing on the interaction between the agent's editing actions and the context reload mechanism.
  • Consider implementing one of the proposed fixes, such as "No reload in same turn" or "Annotation flag", to break the loop.
  • Evaluate the feasibility of integrating a "Chain detection" mechanism to identify and handle sequential edits to the same file within a single turn.
  • Assess the potential impact of these changes on the overall functionality and performance of the agent and the context management system.

Example

No specific code example can be provided without further details on the implementation, but the fix might involve adding a flag or a conditional check to prevent the context from reloading a file that has been edited in the current turn.

Notes

The choice of fix should consider the specific requirements and constraints of the system, including performance, security, and user experience. It's also important to test any implemented solution thoroughly to ensure it resolves the issue without introducing new problems.

Recommendation

Apply the "No reload in same turn" workaround, as it directly addresses the root cause of the infinite loop by preventing the context from reloading an edited file during the same response turn, thus breaking the cycle.

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openclaw - 💡(How to fix) Fix Bug: Infinite edit loop when editing context-loaded files [1 comments, 1 participants]