skills.rest
outcomeengineering
outcomeengineeringOFFICIAL
Explore all skills by this author →
GitHub

understanding-specs

Load complete hierarchical specification documents for a work item.

1|Updated Jan 6, 2026
Search Tags:#workflow#documentation#context#requirements#verification#specs
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/outcomeengineering/spx-claude --skill understanding-specs-outcomeengineering
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: understanding-specs
Source: https://github.com/outcomeengineering/spx-claude/tree/main/plugins/specs/skills/understanding-specs
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/outcomeengineering/spx-claude --skill understanding-specs-outcomeengineering

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Ensures you have all necessary specification documents before starting implementation, preventing costly rework and missed requirements.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Hierarchical Context Loading: Reads specs from product down to the story level.
  • Mandatory Document Verification: Fails fast if any required spec (capability, feature, story) is missing.
  • Decision Record Inclusion: Loads all relevant ADRs and PDRs for architectural and product constraints.
  • Use Case: Before coding a new feature, use this skill to confirm you have the capability spec, feature spec, and all related architectural decisions documented, ensuring you understand the full scope.

Quick Start

Invoke this skill with the full path to the story you are working on, for example: /understanding-specs capability-10_cli/feature-20_commands/story-30_build.

Frequently Asked Questions about understanding-specs

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I load complete specification context before starting feature implementation?▼

Loading specification context requires reading all hierarchical spec documents from product level down to the target story. This includes capability specs, feature specs, and related architectural decisions to ensure complete requirements understanding.

What happens if required specification documents are missing when loading work item context?▼

When required specs are missing, the loading process fails fast with actionable errors. This mandatory document verification prevents implementation from starting without complete context, avoiding costly rework.

When do I need to verify hierarchical requirements and architectural decision records before coding?▼

You need hierarchical requirements and decision record verification before coding any new feature or story. This confirms you have the capability spec, feature spec, and all ADRs and PDRs documenting architectural constraints.

How do I read product specifications and story requirements hierarchically using a file path?▼

To read product specifications hierarchically, invoke the context loading process with the full path to your target story, such as capability-10_cli/feature-20_commands/story-30_build. It reads all specs from product down to the story level.

Does understanding-specs include architectural decision records when loading work item context?▼

Yes, the context loading process includes all relevant ADRs and PDRs. This ensures implementation skills have complete knowledge of architectural and product constraints before starting work.

Related Skills

Explore More Software Engineering Skills→
outcomeengoutcomeeng
1

understanding-spx

Ingest and validate hierarchical SPX context from ADRs, PDRs, and specs.

Official
Advanced
outcomeengineeringoutcomeengineering
1

understanding-spx

Load hierarchical specification documents and verify required context for work items.

Official
Advanced
mazhewittmazhewitt

openspec-verify-change

Compare implemented code against change artifacts to verify compliance.

Community
Advanced
tmalcolm-0607tmalcolm-0607

workflow-checklist

Run a 4-phase development workflow checklist for pre-work, during-work, post-work, and session health.

Community
Intermediate