# Spec Workflow

Should be used when the user asks to "build a feature", "create a spec", "start...

- Repository: https://github.com/tzachbon/smart-ralph (566 stars)
- Category: Design
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-10-28
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add tzachbon/smart-ralph --skill spec-workflow -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add tzachbon/smart-ralph --skill spec-workflow -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add tzachbon/smart-ralph --skill spec-workflow -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add tzachbon/smart-ralph --skill spec-workflow -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add tzachbon/smart-ralph`

## Description

This skill should be used when the user asks to "build a feature", "create a spec", "start spec-driven development", "run research phase", "generate requirements", "create design", "plan tasks", "implement spec", "check spec status", "triage a feature", "create an epic", "decompose a large feature", or needs guidance on spec-driven development workflow, phase ordering, or epic orchestration.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Spec Workflow

Spec-driven development transforms feature requests into structured specs through sequential phases, then executes them task-by-task.

## Decision Tree: Where to Start

| Situation | Command |
|-----------|---------|
| New feature, want guidance | `/ralph-specum:start <name> <goal>` |
| New feature, skip interviews | `/ralph-specum:start <name> <goal> --quick` |
| Large feature needing decomposition | `/ralph-specum:triage <goal>` |
| Resume existing spec | `/ralph-specum:start` (auto-detects) |
| Jump to specific phase | `/ralph-specum:<phase>` |

## Single Spec Flow

```
start/new -> research -> requirements -> design -> tasks -> implement
                         ^
                         optional prototype overlay, then return
```

Each phase produces a markdown artifact under the resolved `<basePath>/`. Normal mode pauses for approval between phases. Quick mode runs all phases then auto-starts execution.

Prototype is an optional overlay, not a main phase. The main `phase` remains `research`, `requirements`, `design`, `tasks`, or `execution`; live prototype work is stored in `activePrototypes`. Resolve the configured spec root and `basePath` before any overlay operation. Follow [`references/phase-transitions.md`](references/phase-transitions.md) when suggesting, starting, resuming, cancelling, or consuming prototype evidence.

### Phase Commands

The rest: https://github.com/tzachbon/smart-ralph/blob/HEAD/plugins/ralph-specum/skills/spec-workflow/SKILL.md