Spec Based Claude Code

Claude Code Spec-Driven Development Implementation Guide

Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. Benefits
3. Prerequisites
4. Quick Start
5. Installation
6. Command Reference
7. Workflow Example
8. Templates
9. Best Practices
10. Troubleshooting
11. Advanced Usage

Overview

This guide implements a spec-driven development workflow in Claude Code using custom slash commands. The workflow enforces a structured approach where specifications are created, reviewed, and approved before implementation begins.

Core Concept

Each feature is developed through four sequential phases:

1. Requirements - Define WHAT needs to be built
2. Design - Determine HOW it will be built
3. Tasks - Plan WHEN and in what order
4. Implementation - Execute the plan with progress tracking

File Structure

/spec/
├── 001-user-authentication/
│   ├── requirements.md
│   ├── design.md
│   └── tasks.md
├── 002-payment-integration/
│   ├── requirements.md
│   ├── design.md
│   └── tasks.md
└── .current-spec  # Stores the full spec directory name, e.g. 001-user-authentication

Benefits

• 🎯 Catch problems early - Identify and resolve requirement ambiguities before coding
• 🎮 Maintain control - Review and approve each phase before proceeding
• 🔄 Iterate safely - Modify specifications without losing conversation context
• 🧠 Keep AI focused - Separate planning from coding for better results
• 👥 Enable collaboration - Living documentation for team reviews
• 📚 Build knowledge - Document decisions and preserve context

Prerequisites

• Claude Code installed and configured
• Git repository initialized
• Basic understanding of markdown

Quick Start

# 1. Set up the spec workflow (see Installation)
mkdir -p .claude/commands/spec

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