'Ralph Wiggum' loop prompts Claude to vibe-clone commercial software for $10 HR (www.theregister.com)

Developer Geoff Huntley has introduced an innovative scripting technique named "Ralph," which leverages agentic AI to create high-quality software at an unprecedented low cost of $10 per hour. By using a repetitive bash loop to continuously refine the output of coding assistants like Anthropic's Claude, Huntley enables AI to autonomously work towards satisfying development requirements, significantly reducing the need for human intervention in the early coding process. This approach has allowed him to clone existing software products, including a tax app for the ZX Spectrum and a version of an Atlassian product, by utilizing available documentation and source code. The significance of Huntley's work lies in its potential to disrupt traditional software development paradigms. With the ability to produce software at a fraction of the typical developer salary, Huntley believes that startups will increasingly adopt similar strategies, leading to the cloning of software features from established companies without the substantial investment usually required. He argues that conventional agile methodologies may become obsolete as developers shift their focus towards creating loops that optimize AI output rather than engaging in extensive code reviews. This evolution could fundamentally alter the software industry landscape, posing significant challenges to established businesses that may struggle to compete with the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of AI-driven coding solutions.