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sdd-explore

Investigate codebase architecture and capture design decisions in spec-driven development artifacts.

1|Updated Mar 5, 2026
Search Tags:#architecture#brainstorming#codebase analysis#exploration#spec-driven development#design decisions#tradeoffs
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/AlessioScarfone/aine-copilot-plugins --skill sdd-explore-alessioscarfone
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: sdd-explore
Source: https://github.com/AlessioScarfone/aine-copilot-plugins/tree/main/src/sdd-team/skills/sdd-explore
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/AlessioScarfone/aine-copilot-plugins --skill sdd-explore-alessioscarfone

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Teams often jump into implementation before fully understanding a problem, leading to rework and misaligned designs. This Skill provides an open-ended thinking partner mode for brainstorming, architecture mapping, and option comparison before committing to a design. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Codebase Investigation: Maps existing architecture, finds integration points, and surfaces hidden complexity relevant to the discussion. - Option Comparison: Brainstorms multiple approaches, builds comparison tables, and sketches tradeoffs with ASCII diagrams. - Spec-Driven Capture: Reads existing SDD artifacts (proposal, design, specs, tasks) for context and offers to record decisions in the right artifact when insights crystallize. - Use Case: Before adding real-time collaboration to your app, enter explore mode to map the current state management, compare WebSocket vs CRDT approaches, and capture the chosen direction in design.md. ## Quick Start Ask the AI to enter explore mode with /sdd-explore followed by the problem or idea you want to think through, such as "/sdd-explore postgres vs sqlite for this project".

Frequently Asked Questions about sdd-explore

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I explore design options before writing code?▼

Enter explore mode with /sdd-explore followed by your problem or idea. The AI acts as a thinking partner, mapping relevant architecture, comparing approaches with tables and ASCII diagrams, and offering to capture decisions in SDD artifacts.

What is spec-driven development exploration?▼

It is a stance-based mode where the AI investigates your codebase and existing SDD artifacts (proposal, design, specs, tasks) to ground open-ended discussion. Insights can optionally be captured into the appropriate artifact when decisions are made.

Can sdd-explore write or implement code?▼

No. Explore mode explicitly forbids writing application code or implementing features. It may only read files, search code, and create spec-driven artifacts like proposals, designs, and specs when you ask.

Does explore mode require an existing change proposal?▼

No. It works with or without an active change. If a change name is provided, it reads that change's artifacts for context; otherwise it thinks freely and can offer to create a proposal when ideas solidify.

When should I not use open-ended exploration mode?▼

Avoid it when you need deliverable documents generated or code implemented. Explore mode is for thinking and research only; exit and create a change proposal when you are ready to implement.

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