specify

Transform user requirements into review-ready specification checkpoints.

Updated Aug 27, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/overthestream/agent-dotfile --skill specify-overthestream
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: specify
Source: https://github.com/overthestream/agent-dotfile/tree/main/claude/skills/specify
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/overthestream/agent-dotfile --skill specify-overthestream

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill helps teams systematically transform user needs into well-defined specifications before coding, preventing scope creep and miscommunication.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Define feature names from user input and create structured checkpoints that capture requirements, constraints, and success criteria.
  • Generate human-readable spec summaries, including a one-line summary, a TL;DR table, and user flow diagrams to facilitate review.
  • Create and manage checkpoints under docs/.checkpoints/{feature}/specify.md and support subsequent clarifications with the clarify workflow.

Quick Start

Provide a feature description to start the specify workflow and generate a ready-to-review checkpoint.

Frequently Asked Questions about specify

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I turn user requirements into formal specifications before coding?

To turn user requirements into formal specifications, provide a feature description to trigger the specify workflow, which extracts requirements, aligns terminology, and generates a review-ready checkpoint at docs/.checkpoints/{feature}/specify.md.

What is the best way to prevent scope creep during feature planning?

The best way to prevent scope creep during feature planning is to generate structured specifications with success criteria, constraints, and user flow diagrams before implementation, ensuring all stakeholders review a formal TL;DR summary.

How do I create a structured checkpoint for a new feature design?

To create a structured checkpoint for a new feature design, input the user needs to automatically generate a one-line summary, a TL;DR table, user scenarios, and references to related features saved directly at docs/.checkpoints/{feature}/specify.md.

Does this specification workflow support modifying existing features?

Yes, this specification workflow supports modifying existing features by guiding requirement extraction, terminology alignment, and checkpoint creation for both new features and modifications to current implementations.

What format does the generated feature specification use for stakeholder review?

The generated feature specification uses a human-readable format featuring a one-line summary, a TL;DR table, and user flow diagrams, designed specifically to facilitate stakeholder review and clarify miscommunications.

When do I need to use the clarify workflow for requirements gathering?

You need to use the clarify workflow for requirements gathering after generating the initial checkpoint, allowing stakeholders to resolve ambiguities, align terminology, and refine user scenarios before finalizing the plan-ready specification.