# Test it once. Give it a rhythm.

Reviewed: 2026-09-09

Canonical: https://clankercloud.ai/learn/loops-and-schedules

Use a Loop when the next run should follow the previous run and a delay. Use a Schedule for set times. First test the task in a Session, then save the Project, Agent, goal, timing, and notification rule.

## What you are working toward

A recurring worker with a tested output and a clear rule for notifying you.

## Start with

- A task that already works in a Session

- The sources, Project, Agent, and output location

- Timing, notification criteria, and a usage budget

## Make one run useful before repeating it

Test the instructions with current inputs and inspect the saved output. Decide what counts as a meaningful change and what should happen if a source is unavailable. Ask for missing-source notes instead of a fabricated “all clear.”

Define the notification rule in the goal. A daily brief may need a short update every day; a monitor may need to stay quiet until something actionable changes. Choose the behavior that matches the work.

## Choose the timing model

| Choice | Use it for | Check before starting |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Loop | A repeating task with a delay after each run | Delay, expected run duration, model cost |
| Schedule | Work at set times | Timezone, selected days, goal, and sources |

## Check what can run unattended

Allow computer jobs permits scripts and commands while your browser is closed. The Agent must also allow unattended work; Answer only, Research, and Always ask Agents cannot run unattended computer jobs.

Hosted workers can run in the cloud. Work using a connected computer still needs that machine online. Starting an ordinary Session does not automatically create a recurring worker.

## Review history and stop unused work

Each worker keeps its conversation, progress, files, and run history. Inspect results and use pause, resume, run-now, or stop when appropriate. Check a failed job before assuming its result was saved.

Loops use 10× the model tokens, and computer usage is charged separately. Review the model, timing, current rates, and balance before starting. A short delay can turn a small individual run into substantial recurring usage.

## Try this prompt

Copy into a Workspace Session. Opening Workspace does not send it automatically.

```text
Help me prepare a weekday status brief. First test one run using these public sources. Save changes and source links in this Project. Once I review the output, help me set a Schedule for 09:00 on weekdays in my chosen timezone. Notify me only about actionable changes. Do not publish externally.
```

## Common questions

### Can it work while my laptop is closed?

Hosted Loops and Schedules can run recurring work in the cloud. Tasks using a connected computer still need that computer to be online and available. Simply starting a browser conversation does not turn it into a recurring background task.

[Read more in the FAQ](https://clankercloud.ai/faq#background-work)

### Can recurring work run scripts while I am away?

Allow computer jobs lets a Loop or Schedule run scripts and commands while your browser is closed. Its Agent must permit unattended work; Answer only, Research, and Always ask Agents cannot run unattended computer jobs. Review progress and job results in the worker history.

[Read more in the FAQ](https://clankercloud.ai/faq#unattended)

### Does closing a viewer stop its computer?

Not necessarily. Active browsers, desktops, and cloud computers can continue using credits. Use their stop or shutdown controls when you finish. Availability and controls are shown in Workspace.

[Read more in the FAQ](https://clankercloud.ai/faq#stop-compute)

## Sources

- [Workspace guide: Loops and Schedules](https://workspace.clankercloud.ai/#page=faq&tab=articles&article=loops-and-schedules)

## Related

- [Start small. Know what keeps running.](https://clankercloud.ai/learn/workspace-credits-and-costs)

- [A workspace for the job, or a workflow to wire?](https://clankercloud.ai/compare/clanker-workspace-vs-n8n)

- [Choose where the work should run.](https://clankercloud.ai/compare/cloud-vs-connected-computer)

[Open Workspace](https://workspace.clankercloud.ai)

[Current pricing and usage](https://clankercloud.ai/pricing)