spec-first

Generate spec.md, todo.md, and decisions.md before coding.

2|1|Updated Apr 4, 2026

Search Tags:#workflow #planning #specification #spec-first #project-management #development-process #ai-assisted

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/genfeedai/genfeed.ai --skill spec-first-genfeedai

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: spec-first
Source: https://github.com/genfeedai/genfeed.ai/tree/main/.agents/skills/spec-first
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/genfeedai/genfeed.ai --skill spec-first-genfeedai

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Enables teams to structure uncertain, complex software work with a formal spec → plan → execute → verify loop, preventing ambiguous "looks right" outcomes.

Core Features & Use Cases

Provides Stage A framing prompts to surface options and tradeoffs.
Produces Stage B spec.md (freeze decisions) and Stage C TODO (stepwise plan) artifacts for traceable development.
Enforces disciplined execution with Stage D–F review and testing readiness.

Quick Start

Frame the problem, propose a minimal spec, and generate the spec.md, todo.md, and decisions.md before implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions about spec-first

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I prevent ambiguous implementations in complex multi-file projects?▼

To prevent ambiguous implementations in multi-file projects, enforce a spec-first workflow that generates spec.md, todo.md, and decisions.md to freeze decisions and define explicit acceptance criteria before coding.

What is a spec-first workflow in software engineering?▼

A spec-first workflow is a formal spec, plan, execute, and verify loop that structures complex software development by freezing decisions in spec.md and creating traceable stepwise plans in todo.md before implementation.

How do I create traceable development plans for uncertain software features?▼

Create traceable development plans by framing the problem to surface tradeoffs, freezing decisions in spec.md, and producing a stepwise TODO plan with explicit acceptance criteria and a verification plan for testing readiness.

Does a spec-first approach work for AI-assisted development processes?▼

Yes, a spec-first approach works for AI-assisted development processes by providing framing prompts that surface options and tradeoffs, ensuring the AI generates explicit specifications and verification plans before implementation.

When should I use a formal specification process for project management?▼

Use a formal specification process for project management when tackling complex features and multi-file projects where decisions must be explicit, preventing uncertain "looks right" outcomes through structured review and testing readiness.

What are the limitations of a spec-first workflow for simple builds?▼

The spec-first workflow is designed for complex features and multi-file projects, making it limited for simple builds where generating spec.md, todo.md, and decisions.md adds unnecessary overhead to the development process.