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.
Not sure which flow? Check out our Choose Your Flow guide for a detailed comparison.
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:Key Features
Four Flows for Every Use Case
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)
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)
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)
First-Class Brownfield Support (FIRE)
Auto-detects existing patterns, respects conventions, and extends rather than rewrites your codebase.
Monorepo Support (FIRE)
Monorepo Support (FIRE)
Hierarchical standards with module-specific overrides. One project, multiple tech stacks.
Full DDD Methodology (AI-DLC)
Full DDD Methodology (AI-DLC)
Domain-Driven Design is integral to AI-DLC Construction phase for complex domains.
Tool Agnostic
Tool Agnostic
Works with Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and other AI coding assistants. Markdown-based agents work anywhere.
VS Code Extension
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
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
Unlike tools that lock you into a specific paid IDE, specs.md works with any AI coding tool. Your specs and agents are portable markdown files that work everywhere.
Get Started
1
Install specs.md
2
Select your flow
Choose Ideation, Simple, FIRE, or AI-DLC based on your project needs
3
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
Featured on Product Hunt! Check out our launch and leave a review: specs.md on Product Hunt →