spike

Build minimal prototypes to validate technical feasibility and compare implementation approaches.

Updated Jun 17, 2026

Search Tags:#research #prototyping #mvp #feasibility #experimentation #spike

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/cxnaive/hermes-agent-llbot --skill spike-cxnaive

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: spike
Source: https://github.com/cxnaive/hermes-agent-llbot/tree/main/skills/software-development/spike
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cxnaive/hermes-agent-llbot --skill spike-cxnaive

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill solves the uncertainty of building new features by allowing you to perform low-cost, throwaway experiments to validate feasibility before committing to a full production build.

Core Features & Use Cases

Feasibility Validation: Quickly test if a specific technical approach or library will work for your requirements.
Comparison Testing: Build multiple versions of a prototype to compare different tools or methodologies side-by-side.
Risk Mitigation: Identify and address high-risk technical unknowns early in the development cycle to prevent wasted effort on unviable solutions.

Quick Start

Use the spike skill to investigate whether a websocket-based streaming implementation is feasible for our new real-time dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions about spike

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I validate technical feasibility before committing to a full production build?▼

You validate technical feasibility by running low-cost, disposable experiments that test specific implementation approaches before committing resources. This skill decomposes complex ideas into testable questions, builds minimal prototypes, and documents findings with a clear verdict.

What is the best way to compare different libraries or technical approaches for a new feature?▼

Comparing technical approaches is best done through side-by-side prototype testing. This skill builds multiple minimal versions of a prototype to evaluate different tools or methodologies, documenting the distinct findings for each approach to help you choose.

How do I identify and mitigate high-risk technical unknowns early in the development cycle?▼

You mitigate high-risk technical unknowns early by isolating them into testable questions and running rapid experiments. This skill creates standalone spike directories to investigate uncertainties, preventing wasted effort on unviable solutions.

Do I need terminal access and file system capabilities to run disposable prototyping experiments?▼

Yes, terminal access and file system capabilities are required. This skill manages isolated, standalone spike directories to conduct rapid technical experiments, which necessitates direct interaction with the local file system environment.

How do I run a quick MVP experiment to test a websocket-based streaming implementation?▼

To run a quick MVP experiment for a websocket-based implementation, you define the feasibility question and let the skill build a minimal prototype. It conducts the rapid experiment in an isolated directory and returns a documented finding with a clear verdict.

When should I avoid using throwaway prototypes for project experimentation?▼

You should avoid throwaway prototypes when uncertainty is low or the technical approach is already proven. This experimentation method is designed specifically to solve uncertainty and validate project feasibility before a full production build, making it redundant for known solutions.