openspec-apply-change

Implement tasks from an OpenSpec change using the openspec CLI.

1|Updated May 19, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/thomasmartinsen/talks --skill openspec-apply-change-thomasmartinsen
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: openspec-apply-change
Source: https://github.com/thomasmartinsen/talks/tree/main/20260519%20-%20Agentic%20engineering/weather-app-demo/.claude/skills/openspec-apply-change
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/thomasmartinsen/talks --skill openspec-apply-change-thomasmartinsen

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? It removes the manual effort of tracking and executing implementation tasks defined in an OpenSpec change, keeping task checkboxes, progress, and context files synchronized during development. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Change Selection: Automatically infers the active change from conversation context or lists available changes via openspec list --json when ambiguous. - Task Implementation Loop: Reads context files (proposal, specs, design, tasks), implements each pending task, and marks checkboxes complete as work progresses. - State Handling: Detects blocked or completed states, suggests archiving finished changes, and pauses with structured options when issues arise. - Use Case: A developer with a spec-driven change containing 7 tasks asks the assistant to start implementation; the skill reads the tasks file, implements each item, updates checkboxes, and reports progress until all tasks are done. ## Quick Start Ask the assistant to start implementing the tasks for your current OpenSpec change, optionally naming the change explicitly.

Frequently Asked Questions about openspec-apply-change

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I implement tasks from an OpenSpec change?

Invoke the apply workflow with an optional change name. The skill runs openspec status and openspec instructions apply to load context files and the task list, then implements each pending task and marks its checkbox complete.

What happens if I don't specify a change name in OpenSpec?

The skill infers the change from conversation context or auto-selects when only one active change exists. If ambiguous, it runs openspec list --json and asks you to pick from the available changes.

Does openspec-apply-change require the openspec CLI?

Yes, the openspec CLI is a stated compatibility requirement. The skill shells out to commands like openspec status, openspec instructions apply, and openspec list to drive the workflow.

What happens when an OpenSpec change is blocked or missing artifacts?

When the status returns a blocked state due to missing artifacts, the skill shows the message and suggests using the openspec-continue-change workflow instead of attempting implementation.

When does the implementation loop pause instead of continuing?

It pauses when a task is unclear, implementation reveals a design issue, an error or blocker occurs, or the user interrupts. It reports progress and presents options rather than guessing.