#20398: docs(automation): add multi-hop improvement loop pattern to cron-vs-heartbeat
docs
size: XS
Cluster:
Cron Enhancements and Fixes
## Summary
Adds a practical automation pattern for running continuous project improvement loops with OpenClaw.
### What's added
- New section: **Pattern: Autonomous improvement loop (multi-hop questions)**
Scheduler split guidance:
- Heartbeat for light context-aware triage
- Isolated cron for heavy scan/solve/verify cycles
- Example cadence (30m triage, hourly synthesis, 2-4h execution, daily reporting)
- Notes on optional Kanban board sync and keeping main-session noise low
## Why
Users increasingly run long-lived project orchestration and want a clear, low-noise way to combine heartbeat and cron for continuous dev workflows. This doc update gives an opinionated, reusable operating model without adding new product surface area.
## Scope\nDocs-only change (no code/runtime impact).
<!-- greptile_comment -->
<h3>Greptile Summary</h3>
Docs-only change that adds a new "Pattern: Autonomous improvement loop (multi-hop questions)" section to `docs/automation/cron-vs-heartbeat.md`. The section describes an opinionated operating model for continuous project improvement using heartbeat for light triage and isolated cron for heavy scan/solve/verify cycles, with example cadences and optional Kanban board sync.
- New pattern section placed before the "Related" section, building on existing heartbeat/cron concepts covered earlier in the guide
- Content is consistent with existing documentation on heartbeat behavior and cron isolation
- A follow-up commit fixed a previously-flagged double blank line formatting issue
<h3>Confidence Score: 5/5</h3>
- This PR is safe to merge — it's a docs-only addition with no runtime impact.
- Score of 5 reflects that this is a purely additive documentation change with no code modifications, no new links that could break, and content that is consistent with existing documentation patterns. The formatting issue flagged in a previous review thread has already been addressed.
- No files require special attention.
<sub>Last reviewed commit: 53d17a1</sub>
<!-- greptile_other_comments_section -->
<!-- /greptile_comment -->
Most Similar PRs
#22764: docs: comprehensive cron system study for portability reference
by Ahsd-digital · 2026-02-21
75.7%
#20521: feat(heartbeat): inject active cron job summary into heartbeat prompt
by maximalmargin · 2026-02-19
75.3%
#12365: test(heartbeat): don't skip empty HEARTBEAT.md for cron wake events
by tyclaudius-ai · 2026-02-09
73.6%
#6801: docs: add token optimization guidance for isolated cron sessions
by ProofOfReach · 2026-02-02
73.6%
#8307: fix(cron): improve tool description with reliable reminder guidance
by vishaltandale00 · 2026-02-03
73.0%
#11657: fix(cron): treat skipped heartbeat as ok for one-shot jobs
by DukeDeSouth · 2026-02-08
72.7%
#5498: Cron: honor next-heartbeat
by sebslight · 2026-01-31
72.5%
#3335: Fixes cron jobs
by hkirat · 2026-01-28
72.5%
#20700: docs: add real-world setups and use cases guide
by aiagentswiz · 2026-02-19
72.4%
#21014: fix(cron): suppress main-session summary for HEARTBEAT_OK responses
by nickjlamb · 2026-02-19
72.4%