# fn-18-kwn.1 Update flowctl rp to auto-open RP window via rp-cli open

> rp-cli open can now launch RepoPrompt windows programmatically. Update flowctl rp pick-window to use this when no existing window is found.

- Skill: `tools-only/fn-18-kwn-1-update-flowctl-rp-to-auto-open-rp-window-via-rp` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tools-only/fn-18-kwn-1-update-flowctl-rp-to-auto-open-rp-window-via-rp`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tools-only/fn-18-kwn-1-update-flowctl-rp-to-auto-open-rp-window-via-rp/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner WARNING, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tools-only (https://skillmd.com/u/tools-only)
- Updated: 2026-09-29
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tools-only/fn-18-kwn-1-update-flowctl-rp-to-auto-open-rp-window-via-rp

---

# fn-18-kwn.1 Update flowctl rp to auto-open RP window via rp-cli open

## Description

`rp-cli open <path>` can now launch RepoPrompt windows programmatically. Update `flowctl rp pick-window` to use this when no existing window is found.

## Implementation

1. **Update `pick_window()` in flowctl.py**
   ```python
   def pick_window(repo_root: str) -> int:
       # Try to find existing window
       result = subprocess.run(['rp-cli', 'list-windows', '--json'], capture_output=True)
       if result.returncode == 0:
           windows = json.loads(result.stdout)
           for w in windows:
               if w.get('path') == repo_root:
                   return w['id']

       # No window found - open one
       result = subprocess.run(['rp-cli', 'open', repo_root, '--json'], capture_output=True)
       if result.returncode == 0:
           data = json.loads(result.stdout)
           return data['window_id']

       raise FlowctlError(f"Failed to open RepoPrompt: {result.stderr}")
   ```

2. **Update error messaging**
   - Remove "please open RepoPrompt first" errors
   - Add helpful error if rp-cli not installed

3. **Test with Ralph**
   - Verify RP review flow works without pre-opened window

## Key Files

- `plugins/flow-next/scripts/flowctl.py` - rp subcommand implementation

## Acceptance

- [ ] `flowctl rp pick-window --repo-root .` returns window ID (opens if needed)
- [ ] Reuses existing window if repo already open
- [ ] Clear error if rp-cli not installed
- [ ] Ralph RP reviews work without manual window setup

## Done summary
TBD

## Evidence
- Commits:
- Tests:
- PRs: