Retrieval Loop (Query → Retrieve → Decide → Refine)

What Problem It Solves

One-shot retrieval often misses key evidence. A retrieval loop iteratively improves queries based on gaps.

Core Flow

flowchart TD
  Q["Question"] --> G["Propose query"]
  G --> S["Search"]
  S --> N["Notes (dedup evidence)"]
  N --> D{"Enough evidence?"}
  D -->|no| G
  D -->|yes| A["Answer with citations"]

Evolution Path

• Comes from: classic “retrieve once → answer”
• Leads to: Agentic RAG (retrieval becomes a tool in an agent loop)

Repo Reference

• Code: src/agent_patterns_lab/patterns/retrieval_loop.py
• Example: examples/40_retrieval_loop.py
• Tests: tests/test_retrieval_loop.py