---
title: Master Agent
description: Orchestrates the AI-DLC flow and maintains project awareness
---

## Overview

The **Master Agent** is the orchestrator of the AI-DLC flow. It maintains awareness of the entire project state and routes you to the appropriate specialized agent.

## Invocation

**Claude Code**

```bash
/specsmd-master-agent
```

**Cursor**

```
/specsmd-master-agent
```
Or use the `@` prefix:
```
@specsmd-master-agent
```

**GitHub Copilot**

```
/specsmd-master-agent
```

## Commands

| Command | Purpose |
|---------|---------|
| `project-init` | Initialize project with standards |
| `analyze-context` | View current project state |
| `route-request` | Get directed to the right agent |
| `explain-flow` | Learn about AI-DLC methodology |
| `answer-question` | Get help with any specs.md question |

## project-init

Initializes your project with standards. This is typically the first command you run.

```
> project-init
```

The agent guides you through establishing:

1. **Tech Stack**

    Languages, frameworks, databases, infrastructure choices

2. **Coding Standards**

    Formatting, linting, naming conventions, testing strategy

3. **System Architecture**

    Architecture style, API design, state management patterns

4. **UX Guide (Optional)**

    Design system, styling, accessibility guidelines

5. **API Conventions (Optional)**

    API style, versioning, response formats

Each standard is established through a facilitation guide that asks relevant questions and generates the standard document.

## analyze-context

Shows the current state of your project:

```
> analyze-context
```

Output includes:

- Active intents and their status
- Units in progress
- Current bolt stage
- Incomplete artifacts
- Suggested next actions

## route-request

When you're not sure which agent to use:

```
> route-request
> I want to add payment processing to my app
```

The Master Agent analyzes your request and directs you:

```
This sounds like a new Intent. You should use the Inception Agent 
to capture and elaborate this requirement.

Next step: /specsmd-inception-agent intent-create
```

## explain-flow

Get an explanation of the AI-DLC methodology:

```
> explain-flow
```

Topics you can ask about:

- The three phases (Inception, Construction, Operations)
- What Intents, Units, and Bolts are
- How checkpoints work
- Memory Bank structure

## answer-question

Get help with any specs.md question:

```
> answer-question
> How do I create an ADR?
```

The agent provides context-aware answers using:

- AI-DLC methodology knowledge
- Your project's current state
- Memory Bank artifacts

## Routing Flow

The Master Agent doesn't have checkpoints - it routes to specialized agents based on project state:

```mermaid
flowchart TB
    Start(specsmd-master-agent):::design --> Check{{"Standards exist?"}}:::check

    Check -->|No| New[New User Flow]
    Check -->|Yes| Return[Returning User Flow]

    subgraph New[New User]
        E(Explain AI-DLC):::plan --> Init(Project Init):::plan
    end

    subgraph Return[Returning User]
        Analyze(Analyze Context):::build --> Route(Route to Agent):::build
    end

    Route --> IA(Inception Agent):::plan
    Route --> CA(Construction Agent):::build
    Route --> OA(Operations Agent):::warn
    classDef design fill:#fff,stroke:#A855F7,color:#7E22CE,stroke-width:1.5px,rx:8,ry:8
    classDef plan fill:#fff,stroke:#6366F1,color:#4338CA,stroke-width:1.5px,rx:8,ry:8
    classDef build fill:#fff,stroke:#0EA5E9,color:#0369A1,stroke-width:1.5px,rx:8,ry:8
    classDef warn fill:#fff,stroke:#F59E0B,color:#B45309,stroke-width:1.5px,rx:8,ry:8
    classDef check fill:#fff,stroke:#EC4899,color:#BE185D,stroke-width:2px,rx:8,ry:8
```

:::info
The Master Agent is the entry point. It determines where you are in the AI-DLC flow and routes you to the appropriate specialist agent.
:::

## When to Use Master Agent

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Starting a New Project" icon="play">
    Run `project-init` to establish standards
  </Card>
  <Card title="Unsure Where to Go" icon="compass">
    Use `route-request` to find the right agent
  </Card>
  <Card title="Need Orientation" icon="map">
    Run `analyze-context` to see project state
  </Card>
  <Card title="Learning AI-DLC" icon="graduation-cap">
    Use `explain-flow` for methodology guidance
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Example Session

```
User: /specsmd-master-agent

Master Agent: Welcome to specs.md! I'm the Master Agent. 
I can help you navigate the AI-DLC flow.

What would you like to do?
- project-init: Initialize a new project
- analyze-context: View current project state  
- route-request: Get directed to the right agent
- explain-flow: Learn about AI-DLC
- answer-question: Get help

User: project-init

Master Agent: Let's establish your project standards.

First, let's define your Tech Stack. 
What programming language(s) will you use?

User: TypeScript for everything

Master Agent: Great choice! TypeScript provides strong typing 
and excellent tooling. Let me ask a few more questions...

[Continues through facilitation guide]
```

## Best Practices

<Accordion>
  <AccordionItem title="Start Here">
    For new projects, always start with the Master Agent and `project-init`.
  </AccordionItem>
  <AccordionItem title="Check Context Regularly">
    Use `analyze-context` to understand where you are in the flow.
  </AccordionItem>
  <AccordionItem title="Ask for Routing">
    When unsure, ask the Master Agent. It knows the methodology.
  </AccordionItem>
</Accordion>