iterative-retrievallisted
Install: claude install-skill arabicapp/everything-claude-code
# Iterative Retrieval Pattern
Solves the "context problem" in multi-agent workflows where subagents don't know what context they need until they start working.
## The Problem
Subagents are spawned with limited context. They don't know:
- Which files contain relevant code
- What patterns exist in the codebase
- What terminology the project uses
Standard approaches fail:
- **Send everything**: Exceeds context limits
- **Send nothing**: Agent lacks critical information
- **Guess what's needed**: Often wrong
## The Solution: Iterative Retrieval
A 4-phase loop that progressively refines context:
```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ │
│ ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────┐ │
│ │ DISPATCH │─────▶│ EVALUATE │ │
│ └──────────┘ └──────────┘ │
│ ▲ │ │
│ │ ▼ │
│ ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────┐ │
│ │ LOOP │◀─────│ REFINE │ │
│ └──────────┘ └──────────┘ │
│ │
│ Max 3 cycles, then proceed │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```
### Phase 1: DISPATCH
Initial broad query to gather candidate files:
```javascript
// Start with high-level intent
const initialQuery = {
patterns: ['src/**/*.ts', 'lib/**/*.ts'],
keywords: ['authentication', 'user', 'session'],
excludes: ['*.test.ts', '