Introduction

AI-native development framework with four flows for every use case

What is specs.md?

specs.md is an AI-native development framework with pluggable flows for every use case. Choose the flow that matches your project needs:

Ideation Flow

Creative brainstorming. Spark → Flame → Forge ideas into concept briefs.

Simple Flow

Spec generation only. Quick requirements, design, and task documents.

FIRE Flow

Adaptive execution. Right-sizes the rigor, brownfield & monorepo ready.

AI-DLC Flow

Full methodology. Complete lifecycle with DDD and 4 agents.

Quick Start

Installation

Install specs.md and select your flow

IDE Extension

Track progress with the VS Code extension

Framework Architecture

specs.md is built as a pluggable framework where development methodologies are implemented as flows:

specs.md (Framework)
├── Core (Standards, Agents, State)
└── Flows/
    ├── ideation/   ← Creative brainstorming (Spark → Flame → Forge)
    ├── simple/     ← Spec generation only
    ├── fire/       ← Rapid execution (0-2 checkpoints)
    └── aidlc/      ← Full methodology with DDD

Key Features

Four Flows for Every Use Case

Ideation for creative brainstorming, Simple for quick specs, FIRE for rapid execution, AI-DLC for full methodology. Choose based on your project needs.

Creative Ideation (Ideation Flow)

Spark → Flame → Forge. AI generates diverse ideas using 12 domains, evaluates them through multiple lenses, then shapes top picks into polished concept briefs—before you commit to writing specs.

Adaptive Checkpoints (FIRE)

FIRE flow adapts oversight to complexity: 0 checkpoints for simple tasks, 1 for standard features, 2 for critical changes.

First-Class Brownfield Support (FIRE)

Auto-detects existing patterns, respects conventions, and extends rather than rewrites your codebase.

Monorepo Support (FIRE)

Hierarchical standards with module-specific overrides. One project, multiple tech stacks.

Full DDD Methodology (AI-DLC)

Domain-Driven Design is integral to AI-DLC Construction phase for complex domains.

Tool Agnostic

Works with Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and other AI coding assistants. Markdown-based agents work anywhere.

VS Code Extension

Track your progress with our sidebar extension for VS Code, Cursor, and Windsurf. Monitor progress, browse specs, and view project metrics visually.

Flow Comparison

Aspect	Ideation	Simple	FIRE	AI-DLC
Optimized For	Creative exploration	Spec generation	Adaptive execution	Full traceability
Checkpoints	0 (non-blocking)	3 (phase gates)	Adaptive (complexity + config)	Comprehensive
Agents	1	1	3	4
Execution Tracking	No	No	Yes	Yes
Design Docs	Concept briefs	Basic	When complexity warrants	DDD or Simple bolt
Monorepo	No	No	First-class	Limited

Supported Tools

specs.md is IDE and AI-agnostic—you choose your tools, no vendor lock-in.

Claude Code

Slash commands

Cursor

Rules integration

GitHub Copilot

Agents support

Windsurf

Rules integration

Cline

Rules integration

Roo

Rules integration

Kiro

Agents support

Google Antigravity

Agents support

Gemini CLI

Agents support

Codex CLI

Agents support

OpenCode

Agents support

Get Started

Install specs.md

npx specsmd@latest install

Select your flow

Choose Ideation, Simple, FIRE, or AI-DLC based on your project needs

Start building

Invoke your flow’s agent and describe what you want to build

Why specs.md?

Traditional development methods were built for human-driven, long-running processes. specs.md reimagines the development lifecycle with AI as a central collaborator:

Choose your overhead: From creative brainstorming (Ideation) and no execution tracking (Simple) to full methodology (AI-DLC)
Start before specs: Ideation explores the solution space and produces concept briefs—before you commit to writing requirements
Adaptive checkpoints: FIRE adapts oversight to complexity—skip ceremony for simple tasks
Brownfield-first: FIRE auto-detects existing patterns and conventions
Persistent context: AI can reference across sessions with structured artifacts
Rapid cycles: Ship features in hours, not weeks