The fresh-clone loop

A disposable-environment workflow that follows the README from scratch, fixes every hidden setup assumption, and restarts until onboarding works cleanly.

Use when

Use this to test whether a repository's onboarding instructions work in a clean environment without undocumented help.

The loop

Clone [repository] into a disposable environment and follow only its README to the documented ready state, such as running the app or building the package. When a step fails or assumes missing knowledge, record the gap, fix the setup or documentation issue, discard the environment, and start again. Carry no dependencies, configuration, credentials, or repairs between attempts. Stop when one uninterrupted fresh clone reaches that state, progress stalls, or [budget] ends. Return exact commands, gaps closed, and remaining blockers.

Steps

• Create a disposable environment with no project dependencies or configuration carried over from another checkout.
• Fresh-clone the repository and follow only the README, recording every missing step, hidden assumption, and failure.
• Fix the smallest setup or documentation gap, discard the environment completely, and begin again.
• Repeat until one clean run reaches the documented ready state without intervention, then report the exact commands and gaps closed.

Verification

A clean environment reaches the documented ready state using only the README. The final run uses only the onboarding guide and needs no unstated dependency, configuration, or manual repair.

Why it works

Destroying the environment after each repair prevents local state from hiding the next problem. The final uninterrupted run is direct evidence that the README, not the operator's memory, is sufficient.