Openspec Verify Change

Verify that an implementation matches the change artifacts (specs, tasks, design).

Input: Optionally specify a change name. If omitted, check if it can be inferred from conversation context. If vague or ambiguous you MUST prompt for available changes.

Steps

1. If no change name provided, prompt for selection

   Run openspec list --json to get available changes. Use the AskUserQuestion tool to let the user select.

   Show changes that have implementation tasks (tasks artifact exists). Include the schema used for each change if available. Mark changes with incomplete tasks as "(In Progress)".

   IMPORTANT: Do NOT guess or auto-select a change. Always let the user choose.

2. Check status to understand the schema

   openspec status --change "<name>" --json
   

   Parse the JSON to understand:

   • schemaName: The workflow being used (e.g., "spec-driven")
   • Which artifacts exist for this change

3. Get the change directory and load artifacts

   openspec instructions apply --change "<name>" --json
   

   This returns the change directory and context files. Read all available artifacts from contextFiles.

4. Initialize verification report structure

   Create a report structure with three dimensions:

   • Completeness: Track tasks and spec coverage
   • Correctness: Track requirement implementation and scenario coverage
   • Coherence: Track design adherence and pattern consistency

   Each dimension can have CRITICAL, WARNING, or SUGGESTION issues.

5. Verify Completeness

   Task Completion:

   • If tasks.md exists in contextFiles, read it
   • Parse checkboxes: - [ ] (incomplete) vs - [x] (complete)
   • Count complete vs total tasks
   • If incomplete tasks exist:
     • Add CRITICAL issue for each incomplete task
     • Recommendation: "Complete task: <description>" or "Mark as done if already implemented"