OpenClaw for Developers: Complete Coding Workflow Guide

OpenClaw can sit beside an editor when a coding task needs a channel, a scheduled run, or a tool that is outside the IDE. It also adds an operating surface: a Gateway, session state, provider credentials, skills, and a workspace that must be reviewed.

Use a reviewable loop

1. Give the session a branch or disposable checkout.
2. Ask for a plan and a read-only inspection first.
3. Review file paths, commands, and provider before approving a write.
4. Run the project's own tests and inspect the diff.
5. Commit or publish only after a person checks the result.

openclaw gateway status
openclaw doctor
openclaw security audit

Keep the context useful

Include the repository goal, constraints, test command, and definition of done. Keep secrets out of prompts and do not assume that a local Gateway means a local model endpoint.

Read the CLI reference, configuration guide, and security documentation before granting a skill or plugin access to a repository.