Pluggable Flows
Understanding the specs.md flow architecture
Framework Architecture
specs.md is built as a pluggable framework where development methodologies are implemented as flows. Choose the flow that matches your project needs.
What is a Flow?
A flow is a complete development methodology implementation that includes:
Agents
Specialized AI agents that guide development
Artifacts
Structured outputs for each phase
State Management
Tracking progress and context
Standards
Project guidelines and conventions
Available Flows
| Flow | Checkpoints | Agents | Optimized For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideation | 0 (non-blocking) | 1 | Creative brainstorming, concept shaping |
| Simple | 3 (phase gates) | 1 | Spec generation only |
| FIRE | Adaptive | 3 | Adaptive execution, brownfield |
| AI-DLC | Comprehensive | 4 | Full traceability |
Ideation Flow
Ideation Flow transforms AI into a creative partner through three sequential skills: Spark (generate), Flame (evaluate), Forge (shape). Research-backed methods run invisibly—you get diverse ideas, not methodology labels.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Agent | 1 (orchestrator with 3 skills) |
| Output | spark-bank.md, flame-report.md, concept-brief.md |
| Skills | Spark → Flame → Forge |
| Best For | Product discovery, pre-feature brainstorming, concept development |
Ideation Flow Documentation
Learn more about Ideation Flow
Simple Flow
Simple Flow generates structured specs without execution tracking—perfect for quick feature planning.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Agent | 1 (specsmd-agent) |
| Output | requirements.md, design.md, tasks.md |
| Phases | Requirements → Design → Tasks |
| Best For | Prototypes, MVPs, spec handoff |
Simple Flow Documentation
Learn more about Simple Flow
FIRE Flow
FIRE (Fast Intent-Run Engineering) is an Adaptive Spec-Driven Development flow. It right-sizes the rigor to complexity—design docs when needed, implementation plans otherwise.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Agents | 3 (Orchestrator, Planner, Builder) |
| Checkpoints | Adaptive (based on complexity + config) |
| Optimized For | Adaptive execution, brownfield, monorepos |
| Key Features | Walkthrough generation, hierarchical standards |
FIRE Flow Documentation
Learn more about FIRE Flow
AI-DLC Flow
AI-DLC (AI-Driven Development Lifecycle) is the full methodology with DDD and comprehensive traceability.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Agents | 4 (Master, Inception, Construction, Operations) |
| Phases | Inception → Construction → Operations |
| Best For | Teams, complex domains, regulated environments |
| Key Features | DDD integration, Mob rituals, full traceability |
Bolt Types (AI-DLC)
| Type | Best For | Stages |
|---|---|---|
| DDD Construction | Complex domain logic | Model → Design → ADR → Code → Test |
| Simple Construction | UI, integrations | Plan → Implement → Test |
AI-DLC Documentation
Learn more about AI-DLC Flow
Tool Integration
All flows integrate with AI coding tools:
| Tool | Integration Method |
|---|---|
| Claude Code | Slash commands in .claude/commands/ |
| Cursor | Rules in .cursor/rules/ |
| GitHub Copilot | Agents in .github/agents/ |
| Google Antigravity | Agents in .agent/agents/ |