docs: add comprehensive contributor guide

- Create CONTRIBUTING.md with 8 sections covering the full contributor
  journey: Getting Started, Development Workflow, Code Style, Testing,
  PR Process, Code Review, Quality Standards, and Community Guidelines
- Include workflow diagram, quality gates table, and test commands reference
- Update README.md to reference CONTRIBUTING.md, consolidating duplicate
  contributor information into the dedicated guide

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -0,0 +1,631 @@
+# Contributing to Ralph for Claude Code
+
+Thank you for your interest in contributing to Ralph! This guide will help you get started and ensure your contributions follow our established patterns and quality standards.
+
+**Every contribution matters** - from fixing typos to implementing major features. We appreciate your help in making Ralph better!
+
+## Table of Contents
+
+1. [Getting Started](#getting-started)
+2. [Development Workflow](#development-workflow)
+3. [Code Style Guidelines](#code-style-guidelines)
+4. [Testing Requirements](#testing-requirements)
+5. [Pull Request Process](#pull-request-process)
+6. [Code Review Guidelines](#code-review-guidelines)
+7. [Quality Standards](#quality-standards)
+8. [Community Guidelines](#community-guidelines)
+
+---
+
+## Getting Started
+
+### Prerequisites
+
+Before contributing, ensure you have the following installed:
+
+- **Bash 4.0+** - For script execution
+- **jq** - JSON processing (required)
+- **git** - Version control (required)
+- **tmux** - Terminal multiplexer (recommended)
+- **Node.js 18+** - For running tests via npm
+
+### Clone the Repository
+
+```bash
+# Fork the repository on GitHub first, then clone your fork
+git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/ralph-claude-code.git
+cd ralph-claude-code
+```
+
+### Install Dependencies
+
+```bash
+# Install BATS testing framework and dependencies
+npm install
+
+# Verify BATS is available
+./node_modules/.bin/bats --version
+
+# Optional: Install Ralph globally for testing
+./install.sh
+```
+
+### Verify Your Setup
+
+```bash
+# Run the test suite to ensure everything works
+npm test
+
+# You should see output like:
+# ✓ 276 tests passed (100% pass rate)
+```
+
+### Project Structure
+
+```
+ralph-claude-code/
+├── ralph_loop.sh        # Main loop script
+├── ralph_monitor.sh     # Live monitoring dashboard
+├── setup.sh             # Project initialization
+├── ralph_import.sh      # PRD import tool
+├── install.sh           # Global installation script
+├── lib/                 # Modular library components
+│   ├── circuit_breaker.sh
+│   ├── response_analyzer.sh
+│   └── date_utils.sh
+├── templates/           # Project templates
+├── tests/               # Test suite
+│   ├── unit/            # Unit tests
+│   ├── integration/     # Integration tests
+│   ├── e2e/             # End-to-end tests
+│   └── helpers/         # Test utilities
+└── docs/                # Documentation
+```
+
+---
+
+## Development Workflow
+
+### Branch Naming Conventions
+
+Always create a feature branch - never work directly on `main`:
+
+| Branch Type | Format | Example |
+|-------------|--------|---------|
+| New features | `feature/<feature-name>` | `feature/log-rotation` |
+| Bug fixes | `fix/<issue-name>` | `fix/rate-limit-reset` |
+| Documentation | `docs/<doc-update>` | `docs/api-reference` |
+| Tests | `test/<test-area>` | `test/circuit-breaker` |
+| Refactoring | `refactor/<area>` | `refactor/response-analyzer` |
+
+```bash
+# Create a new feature branch
+git checkout -b feature/my-awesome-feature
+```
+
+### Commit Message Format
+
+We use [Conventional Commits](https://www.conventionalcommits.org/) for clear, structured commit history:
+
+```
+<type>(<scope>): <description>
+
+[optional body]
+
+[optional footer]
+```
+
+**Types:**
+
+| Type | Description | Example |
+|------|-------------|---------|
+| `feat` | New feature | `feat(loop): add dry-run mode` |
+| `fix` | Bug fix | `fix(monitor): correct refresh rate` |
+| `docs` | Documentation only | `docs(readme): update installation steps` |
+| `test` | Adding/updating tests | `test(setup): add template validation tests` |
+| `refactor` | Code change (no features/fixes) | `refactor(analyzer): simplify error detection` |
+| `chore` | Maintenance tasks | `chore(deps): update bats-assert` |
+
+**Examples from Recent Commits:**
+
+```bash
+# Feature addition
+feat(import): add JSON output format support
+
+# Bug fix with scope
+fix(loop): replace non-existent --prompt-file with -p flag
+
+# Documentation update
+docs(status): update IMPLEMENTATION_STATUS.md with phased structure
+
+# Test addition
+test(cli): add 27 comprehensive CLI parsing tests
+```
+
+**Writing Good Commit Messages:**
+
+- Use imperative mood ("add" not "added")
+- Explain WHAT changed and WHY (not HOW)
+- Keep the subject line under 72 characters
+- Reference issues when applicable (`fixes #123`)
+
+### Workflow Diagram
+
+```
+┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│                    Contribution Workflow                            │
+└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
+
+  ┌──────────┐     ┌──────────┐     ┌──────────┐     ┌──────────┐
+  │  1. Fork │────>│ 2. Clone │────>│ 3. Branch│────>│ 4. Code  │
+  └──────────┘     └──────────┘     └──────────┘     └──────────┘
+                                                           │
+                                                           v
+  ┌──────────┐     ┌──────────┐     ┌──────────┐     ┌──────────┐
+  │ 8. Merge │<────│  7. PR   │<────│ 6. Push  │<────│ 5. Test  │
+  └──────────┘     │ Approved │     └──────────┘     │ (100%)   │
+                   └──────────┘                      └──────────┘
+                        ^
+                        │
+                   ┌──────────┐
+                   │  CI/CD   │
+                   │  Passes  │
+                   └──────────┘
+```
+
+---
+
+## Code Style Guidelines
+
+### Bash Best Practices
+
+Ralph follows consistent bash conventions across all scripts:
+
+**File Structure:**
+
+```bash
+#!/bin/bash
+# Script description
+# Purpose and usage notes
+
+# Source dependencies
+source "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")/lib/date_utils.sh"
+
+# Configuration constants (UPPER_CASE)
+MAX_CALLS_PER_HOUR=100
+CB_NO_PROGRESS_THRESHOLD=3
+STATUS_FILE="status.json"
+
+# Colors for output
+RED='\033[0;31m'
+GREEN='\033[0;32m'
+YELLOW='\033[1;33m'
+NC='\033[0m'
+
+# Helper functions (snake_case)
+helper_function() {
+    local param1=$1
+    local param2=$2
+    # Implementation
+}
+
+# Main logic
+main() {
+    # Entry point
+}
+
+# Export functions for reuse
+export -f helper_function
+
+# Execute main if run directly
+if [[ "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}" == "${0}" ]]; then
+    main "$@"
+fi
+```
+
+**Naming Conventions:**
+
+| Element | Convention | Example |
+|---------|------------|---------|
+| Functions | snake_case | `get_circuit_state()` |
+| Local variables | snake_case | `local loop_count=0` |
+| Constants | UPPER_SNAKE_CASE | `MAX_CALLS_PER_HOUR` |
+| File names | snake_case.sh | `circuit_breaker.sh` |
+| Control files | @prefix | `@fix_plan.md` |
+
+**Function Documentation:**
+
+```bash
+# Get current circuit breaker state
+# Returns the state as a string: CLOSED, HALF_OPEN, or OPEN
+# Falls back to CLOSED if state file doesn't exist
+get_circuit_state() {
+    if [[ ! -f "$CB_STATE_FILE" ]]; then
+        echo "$CB_STATE_CLOSED"
+        return
+    fi
+
+    jq -r '.state' "$CB_STATE_FILE" 2>/dev/null || echo "$CB_STATE_CLOSED"
+}
+```
+
+**Error Handling:**
+
+```bash
+# Always validate inputs
+if [[ -z "$1" ]]; then
+    echo -e "${RED}Error: Missing required argument${NC}" >&2
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Use proper exit codes
+# 0 = success, 1 = general error, 2 = invalid usage
+```
+
+**Cross-Platform Compatibility:**
+
+```bash
+# Use portable date commands
+if command -v gdate &> /dev/null; then
+    DATE_CMD="gdate"  # macOS with coreutils
+else
+    DATE_CMD="date"   # Linux
+fi
+```
+
+**JSON State Management:**
+
+```bash
+# Always validate JSON before parsing
+if ! jq '.' "$STATE_FILE" > /dev/null 2>&1; then
+    echo "Error: Invalid JSON in state file"
+    return 1
+fi
+
+# Use jq for safe parsing
+local state=$(jq -r '.state' "$STATE_FILE" 2>/dev/null || echo "CLOSED")
+```
+
+---
+
+## Testing Requirements
+
+### Mandatory Testing Standards
+
+**All new features must include tests. This is non-negotiable.**
+
+| Requirement | Standard | Enforcement |
+|-------------|----------|-------------|
+| Test Pass Rate | 100% | **Mandatory** - CI blocks merge |
+| Test Coverage | 85% | Aspirational - informational only |
+
+> **Note on Coverage:** Bash code coverage with kcov cannot trace subprocess executions. Test pass rate is the enforced quality gate, not coverage percentage.
+
+### Test Organization
+
+```
+tests/
+├── unit/                       # Fast, isolated tests
+│   ├── test_cli_parsing.bats   # CLI argument tests
+│   ├── test_json_parsing.bats  # JSON output parsing
+│   ├── test_exit_detection.bats
+│   ├── test_rate_limiting.bats
+│   ├── test_session_continuity.bats
+│   └── test_cli_modern.bats
+├── integration/                # Multi-component tests
+│   ├── test_loop_execution.bats
+│   ├── test_edge_cases.bats
+│   ├── test_installation.bats
+│   ├── test_project_setup.bats
+│   └── test_prd_import.bats
+├── e2e/                        # End-to-end workflows
+└── helpers/
+    └── test_helper.bash        # Shared test utilities
+```
+
+### Running Tests
+
+| Command | Purpose | When to Use |
+|---------|---------|-------------|
+| `npm test` | Run all tests | Before committing, before PR |
+| `npm run test:unit` | Unit tests only | During development |
+| `npm run test:integration` | Integration tests only | Testing interactions |
+| `bats tests/unit/test_file.bats` | Single test file | Debugging specific tests |
+
+### Writing Tests
+
+**Test Structure:**
+
+```bash
+#!/usr/bin/env bats
+# Unit Tests for Feature X
+
+load '../helpers/test_helper'
+
+# Setup runs before each test
+setup() {
+    source "$(dirname "$BATS_TEST_FILENAME")/../helpers/test_helper.bash"
+
+    # Create isolated test environment
+    export TEST_TEMP_DIR="$(mktemp -d /tmp/ralph-test.XXXXXX)"
+    cd "$TEST_TEMP_DIR"
+
+    # Initialize test state
+    echo "0" > ".call_count"
+}
+
+# Teardown runs after each test
+teardown() {
+    cd /
+    rm -rf "$TEST_TEMP_DIR"
+}
+
+# Test: Descriptive name explaining what's being tested
+@test "can_make_call returns success when under limit" {
+    echo "50" > ".call_count"
+    export MAX_CALLS_PER_HOUR=100
+
+    run can_make_call
+    assert_success
+}
+
+# Test: Failure case
+@test "can_make_call returns failure when at limit" {
+    echo "100" > ".call_count"
+    export MAX_CALLS_PER_HOUR=100
+
+    run can_make_call
+    assert_failure
+}
+```
+
+**Test Best Practices:**
+
+1. **Test both success and failure cases**
+2. **Use descriptive test names** that explain the scenario
+3. **Isolate tests** - each test should be independent
+4. **Mock external dependencies** (Claude CLI, tmux, etc.)
+5. **Test edge cases** (empty files, invalid input, boundary values)
+6. **Add comments** for complex test scenarios
+
+**Available Test Helpers:**
+
+```bash
+# From tests/helpers/test_helper.bash
+
+assert_success      # Check command succeeded (exit 0)
+assert_failure      # Check command failed (exit != 0)
+assert_equal        # Compare two values
+assert_output       # Check command output
+assert_file_exists  # Verify file exists
+assert_dir_exists   # Verify directory exists
+strip_colors        # Remove ANSI color codes
+create_mock_prompt  # Create test PROMPT.md
+create_mock_fix_plan # Create test @fix_plan.md
+create_mock_status  # Create test status.json
+```
+
+---
+
+## Pull Request Process
+
+### Before Creating a PR
+
+Run through this checklist:
+
+- [ ] All tests pass locally (`npm test`)
+- [ ] New code includes appropriate tests
+- [ ] Commits follow conventional format
+- [ ] Documentation updated if needed
+- [ ] No debug code or console.log statements
+- [ ] No secrets or credentials committed
+
+### Creating the PR
+
+1. **Push your branch:**
+   ```bash
+   git push origin feature/my-feature
+   ```
+
+2. **Open a Pull Request** on GitHub with:
+
+**PR Title:** Follow conventional commit format
+```
+feat(loop): add dry-run mode for testing
+```
+
+**PR Description Template:**
+```markdown
+## Summary
+
+Brief description of what this PR does (1-3 bullet points).
+
+- Adds dry-run mode to preview loop execution
+- Includes new CLI flag `--dry-run`
+- Logs actions without making actual changes
+
+## Test Plan
+
+- [ ] Unit tests added/updated
+- [ ] Integration tests added/updated
+- [ ] Manual testing completed
+
+## Related Issues
+
+Fixes #123
+Related to #456
+
+## Screenshots (if applicable)
+
+[Add screenshots for UI/output changes]
+
+## Breaking Changes
+
+[List any breaking changes, or "None"]
+```
+
+### After PR Creation
+
+1. **Wait for CI/CD** - GitHub Actions will run all tests
+2. **Address review feedback** - Make requested changes promptly
+3. **Keep PR updated** - Rebase if main branch has changed
+
+---
+
+## Code Review Guidelines
+
+### For Contributors
+
+**Responding to Feedback:**
+
+- Thank reviewers for their time
+- Ask questions if requirements are unclear
+- Make requested changes promptly
+- Update PR description as changes evolve
+- Don't take feedback personally - it's about the code
+
+**If You Disagree:**
+
+- Explain your reasoning clearly
+- Provide context for your decisions
+- Be open to alternative approaches
+- Defer to maintainer judgment when in doubt
+
+### For Reviewers
+
+**What to Check:**
+
+| Area | Questions to Ask |
+|------|------------------|
+| **Correctness** | Does the code do what it claims? |
+| **Tests** | Are tests comprehensive? Do they pass? |
+| **Style** | Does it follow bash conventions? |
+| **Documentation** | Are comments and docs updated? |
+| **Breaking Changes** | Will this affect existing users? |
+| **Performance** | Any obvious performance issues? |
+
+**Review Best Practices:**
+
+1. **Be constructive** - Focus on improvements, not criticism
+2. **Be specific** - Point to exact lines when possible
+3. **Explain why** - Help contributors learn
+4. **Acknowledge good work** - Note well-written code
+5. **Approve when ready** - Don't hold PRs hostage
+
+---
+
+## Quality Standards
+
+### Quality Gates
+
+All PRs must pass these automated checks:
+
+| Gate | Requirement | Enforcement |
+|------|-------------|-------------|
+| Unit Tests | 100% pass | **Blocks merge** |
+| Integration Tests | 100% pass | **Blocks merge** |
+| Coverage | 85% | Informational only |
+| Conventional Commits | Required | Manual review |
+| Documentation | Updated | Manual review |
+
+### Documentation Standards
+
+**When to Update Documentation:**
+
+- Adding new CLI flags → Update README.md, CLAUDE.md
+- Adding new features → Update README.md "Features" section
+- Changing behavior → Update relevant docs
+- Adding new patterns → Update CLAUDE.md
+
+**Keep in Sync:**
+
+1. **CLAUDE.md** - Technical specifications, quality standards
+2. **README.md** - User-facing documentation, installation
+3. **Templates** - Keep template files current
+4. **Inline comments** - Update when code changes
+
+### Feature Completion Checklist
+
+Before marking any feature complete:
+
+- [ ] All tests pass (100% pass rate)
+- [ ] Script functionality manually tested
+- [ ] Commits follow conventional format
+- [ ] All commits pushed to remote
+- [ ] CI/CD pipeline passes
+- [ ] CLAUDE.md updated (if new patterns)
+- [ ] README.md updated (if user-facing)
+- [ ] Breaking changes documented
+- [ ] Installation verified (if applicable)
+
+---
+
+## Community Guidelines
+
+### Priority Contribution Areas
+
+**High Priority - Help Needed!**
+
+1. **Test Implementation** - Expand test coverage
+   - See [IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md](IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md) for specifications
+
+2. **Feature Development**
+   - Log rotation functionality
+   - Dry-run mode
+   - Config file support (.ralphrc)
+   - Metrics tracking
+   - Desktop notifications
+   - Backup/rollback system
+
+3. **Documentation**
+   - Usage tutorials and examples
+   - Troubleshooting guides
+   - Video walkthroughs
+
+4. **Real-World Testing**
+   - Use Ralph on your projects
+   - Report bugs and edge cases
+   - Share your experience
+
+### Communication
+
+**Before Major Changes:**
+
+- Open an issue for discussion
+- Check existing issues for planned work
+- Join discussions on pull requests
+
+**Getting Help:**
+
+- Review documentation first (README.md, CLAUDE.md)
+- Check [IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md](IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md) for roadmap
+- Open issues for questions
+- Reference related issues in discussions
+
+### Code of Conduct
+
+- Be respectful and professional
+- Welcome newcomers and help them succeed
+- Focus on constructive feedback
+- Assume good intentions
+- Celebrate diverse perspectives
+
+### Recognition
+
+- All contributors acknowledged in release notes
+- Significant contributions noted in README
+- Active contributors may become maintainers
+
+---
+
+## Additional Resources
+
+- [README.md](README.md) - Project overview and quick start
+- [CLAUDE.md](CLAUDE.md) - Technical specifications
+- [IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md](IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md) - Development roadmap
+- [IMPLEMENTATION_STATUS.md](IMPLEMENTATION_STATUS.md) - Progress tracking
+- [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/frankbria/ralph-claude-code/issues) - Bug reports and feature requests
+
+---
+
+**Thank you for contributing to Ralph!** Your efforts help make autonomous AI development more accessible to everyone.

README.md

@@ -516,89 +516,34 @@ tail -f logs/ralph.log
 
 Ralph is actively seeking contributors! We're working toward v1.0.0 with clear priorities and a detailed roadmap.
 
-### Quick Start for Contributors
+**See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for the complete contributor guide** including:
+- Getting started and setup instructions
+- Development workflow and commit conventions
+- Code style guidelines
+- Testing requirements (100% pass rate mandatory)
+- Pull request process and code review guidelines
+- Quality standards and checklists
+
+### Quick Start
 
-1. **Fork and Clone**
 ```bash
+# Fork and clone
 git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/ralph-claude-code.git
 cd ralph-claude-code
-   ```
 
-2. **Install Dependencies**
+# Install dependencies and run tests
-   ```bash
+npm install
-   npm install -g bats bats-support bats-assert
+npm test  # All 276 tests must pass
-   ./install.sh  # Install Ralph globally for testing
-   ```
-
-3. **Run Tests**
-   ```bash
-   npm test                    # Run all tests
-   npm run test:unit          # Run unit tests only
-   npm run test:integration   # Run integration tests only
 ```
 
 ### Priority Contribution Areas
 
-**High Priority (Help Needed!)**
+1. **Test Implementation** - Help expand test coverage
-1. **Test Implementation** - We need more tests to reach comprehensive coverage
+2. **Feature Development** - Log rotation, dry-run mode, config files, metrics
-   - See [IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md](IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md) for detailed test specifications
+3. **Documentation** - Tutorials, troubleshooting guides, examples
+4. **Real-World Testing** - Use Ralph, report bugs, share feedback
 
-2. **Feature Development**
+**Every contribution matters** - from fixing typos to implementing major features!
-   - Log rotation functionality
-   - Dry-run mode
-   - Config file support
-   - Metrics tracking
-   - Notifications
-   - Backup/rollback
-
-3. **Documentation**
-   - TESTING.md guide
-   - CONTRIBUTING.md (expand this section)
-   - Usage tutorials and examples
-   - Troubleshooting guides
-
-4. **Real-World Testing**
-   - Use Ralph on your projects
-   - Report bugs and edge cases
-   - Share your experience
-
-### Development Guidelines
-
-- **Tests Required**: All new features must include tests
-- **Code Style**: Follow existing bash patterns and conventions
-- **Documentation**: Update README and relevant docs for user-facing changes
-- **Commit Messages**: Clear, descriptive commit messages
-- **Branch Naming**: `feature/feature-name` or `fix/bug-description`
-
-### Pull Request Process
-
-1. Create a feature branch (`git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature`)
-2. Make your changes with tests
-3. Run full test suite: `npm test` (must pass 100%)
-4. Update documentation if needed
-5. Commit changes (`git commit -m 'Add amazing feature'`)
-6. Push to your fork (`git push origin feature/amazing-feature`)
-7. Open a Pull Request with:
-   - Clear description of changes
-   - Link to related issues
-   - Test results
-   - Screenshots (if UI/output changes)
-
-### Development Roadmap Reference
-
-See [IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md](IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md) for the complete roadmap including:
-- Detailed test specifications
-- Feature implementation guides
-- Code examples for new functionality
-- Success metrics and milestones
-
-### Questions or Ideas?
-
-- Open an issue for discussion
-- Check existing issues for planned work
-- Join discussions on pull requests
-
-**Every contribution matters** - from fixing typos to implementing major features. Thank you for helping make Ralph better!
 
 ## License
 
@@ -712,14 +657,12 @@ Ralph is under active development with a clear path to v1.0.0. See [IMPLEMENTATI
 See [IMPLEMENTATION_STATUS.md](IMPLEMENTATION_STATUS.md) for detailed progress tracking.
 
 ### How to Contribute
-Ralph is seeking contributors! Priority areas:
+Ralph is seeking contributors! See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for the complete guide. Priority areas:
 1. **Test Implementation** - Help expand test coverage ([see plan](IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md))
 2. **Feature Development** - Log rotation, dry-run mode, config files
 3. **Documentation** - Usage examples, tutorials, troubleshooting guides
 4. **Bug Reports** - Real-world usage feedback and edge cases
 
-See [Contributing](#contributing) section above for guidelines.
-
 ---
 
 **Ready to let AI build your project?** Start with `./install.sh` and let Ralph take it from there!