To Spec

by mattpocockc55ee46073edNo licenseListed Oct 8, 2026Updated Oct 8, 2026

Turn the current conversation into a spec and publish it to the project issue tracker: no interview, just synthesis of what you've already discussed.

Instructions onlyAI & Agents
AI-generated overview

Turns the current conversation and codebase context into a written spec and publishes it to the project issue tracker.

What it does
This skill synthesizes the existing conversation and repository understanding into a feature spec without interviewing the user. It explores the codebase, proposes test seams and confirms them with the user, then writes the spec using a fixed template covering problem statement, solution, user stories, implementation decisions, testing decisions, out of scope, and further notes. The finished spec is published to the project issue tracker with a ready-for-agent triage label.
When to use it
Use it when a feature has already been discussed and you want that discussion turned into a structured spec rather than answering more questions. It fits projects that have an issue tracker and triage label vocabulary already configured.
Requirements
Requires an issue tracker and triage label vocabulary to have been provided, plus repository access to explore the codebase. It is instructions only and ships no scripts; if the tracker setup is missing, the user is told to run a setup command.

This skill takes the current conversation context and codebase understanding and produces a spec. Do NOT interview the user; just synthesize what you already know.

The issue tracker and triage label vocabulary should have been provided to you. If not, tell the user to run /setup-matt-pocock-skills.

Process

  1. Explore the repo to understand the current state of the codebase, if you haven't already. Use the project's domain glossary vocabulary throughout the spec, and respect any ADRs in the area you're touching.

  2. Sketch out the seams at which you're going to test the feature. Existing seams should be preferred to new ones. Use the highest seam possible. If new seams are needed, propose them at the highest point you can. The fewer seams across the codebase, the better - the ideal number is one.

Check with the user that these seams match their expectations.

  1. Write the spec using the template below, then publish it to the project issue tracker. Apply the ready-for-agent triage label - no need for additional triage.

<spec-template>

Problem Statement

The problem that the user is facing, from the user's perspective.

Solution

The solution to the problem, from the user's perspective.

User Stories

A LONG, numbered list of user stories. Each user story should be in the format of:

  1. As an <actor>, I want a <feature>, so that <benefit>

<user-story-example>

  1. As a mobile bank customer, I want to see balance on my accounts, so that I can make better informed decisions about my spending

</user-story-example>

This list of user stories should be extremely extensive and cover all aspects of the feature.

Implementation Decisions

A list of implementation decisions that were made. This can include:

  • The modules that will be built/modified
  • The interfaces of those modules that will be modified
  • Technical clarifications from the developer
  • Architectural decisions
  • Schema changes
  • API contracts
  • Specific interactions

Do NOT include specific file paths or code snippets. They may end up being outdated very quickly.

Exception: if a prototype produced a snippet that encodes a decision more precisely than prose can (state machine, reducer, schema, type shape), inline it within the relevant decision and note briefly that it came from a prototype. Trim to the decision-rich parts, not a working demo, just the important bits.

Testing Decisions

A list of testing decisions that were made. Include:

  • A description of what makes a good test (only test external behavior, not implementation details)
  • Which modules will be tested
  • Prior art for the tests (i.e. similar types of tests in the codebase)

Out of Scope

A description of the things that are out of scope for this spec.

Further Notes

Any further notes about the feature.

</spec-template>

Source and attribution

Source:mattpocock/skillsinskills/engineering/to-specat commitc55ee46

License: No license

Content belongs to its original authors. SourceWeft indexes it from a public repository.

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