spec-driven-development

To turn vague ideas into concrete specifications, draft a spec document covering objectives, tech stack, commands, project structure, code style, testing strategy, and boundaries before writing any code. This structured specification surfaces assumptions upfront and aligns expectations to reduce rework.

Spec-driven development is a structured workflow that transforms unclear requirements into testable specifications. It is best used for new projects, architectural decisions, or feature work where requirements are unclear, ensuring alignment through explicit success criteria and open questions.

To plan and break down tasks from a software specification, follow a four-phase gated workflow: Specify, Plan, Tasks, and Implement. Human reviews at each stage ensure the project remains aligned and measurable before proceeding to actual coding.

A software development specification template should include Objective, Commands, Project Structure, Code Style, Testing Strategy, and Boundaries. It also needs explicit success criteria and open questions to keep the project aligned and measurable throughout the workflow.

Yes, spec-driven development works for feature work on existing projects by capturing objectives, commands, and boundaries. It applies whenever requirements are unclear, enforcing a gated workflow with human reviews to ensure alignment before implementation.