OpenSpec
Spec-driven development (SDD) for AI coding assistants.
OpenSpec is an agent skill framework that brings spec-driven development (SDD) to AI coding assistants through slash commands like `/opsx:propose` and `/opsx:explore`. It creates a structured workflow where developers and their AI agents agree on requirements, design, and tasks in plain Markdown before writing code, keeping each feature in its own change folder. Designed to work with 30+ tools including Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and Windsurf, it scales from solo projects to team-wide planning across multiple repositories using shared spec stores.
Key Features
Use Cases
- 01Planning features with AI before writing code, ensuring alignment on requirements and design approach
- 02Managing cross-repository features where a single change spans API, frontend, and shared libraries
- 03Exploring implementation options interactively using `/opsx:explore` before committing to a technical direction
- 04Documenting technical decisions and implementation tasks in a structured, reviewable format
- 05Sharing requirements across teams via read-only spec stores that coding agents can reference
- 06Onboarding new team members or AI agents to existing project architecture and conventions
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OpenSpec — FAQ
What is OpenSpec and how does it work with AI coding assistants?+
OpenSpec is an agent skill framework that adds spec-driven development to AI coding tools through slash commands. It guides your AI to create planning artifacts (requirements, design, tasks) in Markdown before writing code, ensuring you agree on what to build first.
How do I install OpenSpec?+
Install the CLI globally with `npm install -g @fission-ai/openspec@latest`, navigate to your project, and run `openspec init`. The init command detects your AI tools (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.) and configures the appropriate slash commands. Requires Node.js 20.19.0 or higher.
Which AI coding assistants does OpenSpec support?+
OpenSpec works with 30+ tools including Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Amazon Q, Windsurf, Codex, and many others. The `openspec init` command auto-detects your tools and shows the correct slash-command syntax for each (e.g., `/opsx:propose` in some tools, `@opsx-propose` in Amazon Q).
Do I need API keys or a paid account to use OpenSpec?+
No API keys are required for OpenSpec itself—it's an MIT-licensed open-source tool. You'll need your existing AI coding assistant (which may require its own subscription), but OpenSpec adds the spec workflow on top of whatever agent you're already using.
Is OpenSpec free to use?+
Yes, OpenSpec is free and open-source under the MIT license. Anonymous telemetry is collected by default (command names and version only) but can be disabled with `openspec config set telemetry.enabled false` or by setting environment variables.
What are Stores and when should I use them?+
Stores (beta) are separate Git repositories that hold specs and planning artifacts, shared across multiple code repos. Use them when features span multiple repositories or when one team owns requirements that other teams consume, allowing planning to happen before code exists in any specific repo.
How do I install OpenSpec?+
Open the source repository on GitHub and follow its README. OpenSpec is a skill — MCP Agents Market links you directly to the official repo.
Is OpenSpec free?+
OpenSpec is an open-source project hosted on GitHub. Check the repository for its license and any usage requirements.