What is AI-DLC?
AI-DLC (AI-Driven Development Lifecycle) is a complete methodology for AI-native software development, originally defined by AWS. It provides comprehensive traceability, DDD integration, and structured phases for complex projects.AI proposes, human validates. Like Google Maps—humans set the destination, AI provides step-by-step directions, humans maintain oversight at every checkpoint.
Key Differentiators
Complete Methodology
Not just a tool—a full SDLC with defined phases, rituals, and artifacts based on AWS research.
DDD Integration
Domain-Driven Design is core, not optional. Model business logic before writing code.
Comprehensive Checkpoints
10-26 human validation points per bolt. Every decision is reviewed.
Four Specialized Agents
Master, Inception, Construction, and Operations agents with clear responsibilities.
Walkthrough Generation
Every change documented automatically. Review what AI did without digging through code.
AI-DLC vs Other Flows
Shared philosophy: All flows use intents, structured artifacts, and human validation. They differ in ceremony level and traceability depth.
When to Use AI-DLC
You need comprehensive traceability
You need comprehensive traceability
Every decision, every change, every artifact is tracked. Perfect for regulated environments or audit requirements.
You're building complex domain logic
You're building complex domain logic
AI-DLC integrates DDD from the start. Model your business domain before writing code.
You have multi-team coordination
You have multi-team coordination
Clear phases and artifacts make handoffs explicit. Teams know exactly what’s expected.
You want predictable ceremony
You want predictable ceremony
Unlike adaptive flows, AI-DLC has fixed checkpoints. You always know what’s coming next.
You're in a regulated environment
You're in a regulated environment
Healthcare, finance, government—where documentation requirements are strict.
When to Consider Other Flows
Consider FIRE if:
- You want adaptive checkpoints based on complexity
- You’re working on brownfield projects
- You have a monorepo with multiple tech stacks
- You prefer less ceremony for simple changes
- You just need specs, not execution tracking
- You’re prototyping or creating handoff documents
- You want minimal overhead
Three Phases
AI-DLC follows three sequential phases:Core Concepts
Intent
A high-level business objective. The starting point for all work.Unit
A loosely-coupled module that can be developed independently.Story
A user story within a unit, with acceptance criteria.Bolt
A time-boxed execution cycle (hours or days) that implements stories through validated stages.Learn more in Core Concepts.
Four-Agent Architecture
Learn more in Agents Overview.
Project Structure
Get Started
1
Install specs.md
2
Select AI-DLC during init
Choose “AI-DLC” when prompted for flow selection
3
Initialize project standards
4
Create your first intent
Quick Start Guide
Step-by-step guide to building with AI-DLC