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to-spec

Turn an existing discussion and codebase knowledge into a specification, then publish it to the project's issue tracker. Organize the problem, user needs, implementation decisions, testing approach, and work excluded from scope.

OriginalShow the original description

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.

AI rating90/ 100See how to install

Good for

  • Turning a feature discussion into a specification
  • Publishing agreed requirements to the project issue tracker
  • Documenting implementation and testing decisions
  • Clarifying what a feature does and does not cover

Overview

What it does

to-spec creates a specification from the current conversation and knowledge of the codebase, then publishes it to the project's issue tracker. It organizes the user's problem, the solution, needs for each type of user, implementation decisions, testing approach, and exclusions. It uses the project glossary and respects relevant architectural decisions.

When it helps

Use it when you want to preserve a feature discussion as a specification that can be handed over for development. It summarizes what is already known instead of interviewing you about the requirements again. It also records implementation plans, testing decisions, and work outside the current scope together.

Example requests

  • “Turn the feature we have discussed into a specification and publish it to the issue tracker.”
  • “Document the agreed user needs, implementation and testing approach, and exclusions in a specification.”

Notes

The issue tracker and label vocabulary must be configured. If missing, it directs you to /setup-matt-pocock-skills. Before writing, it checks the proposed testing boundaries with you. Published issues receive ready-for-agent. Implementation decisions generally omit specific file paths and code, except prototype snippets that express a decision more precisely than prose.

This overview was written by AI (OpenAI Codex) from the public SKILL.md. Check the original below for the exact behavior.

Objective evaluation

AI rated this skill on four points using only the contents of its SKILL.md. Stars and popularity are not taken into account.

Clear instructionsIs it clear when to use it and what it does?
AGoodThe purpose and action are explicit: synthesize the current conversation into a specification and publish it to the issue tracker.
Concrete stepsAre steps, inputs, outputs, and examples spelled out?
AGoodIt provides investigation, testing-boundary confirmation, writing, and publishing steps, plus a template defining each section.
SafetyAre sending data, deleting files, and running commands disclosed?
BPartly lackingIt instructs external publication to the issue tracker but provides no step for reviewing the content before publication.
Easy setupDoes it need few tools or API keys, and are they documented?
AGoodIt explicitly requires issue tracker and label information and supplies a setup command when these are missing.

The total counts each point as A = 25, B = 15, C = 5. Rated by AI (OpenAI Codex) as of Oct 19, 2026. Treat it as a guide and read the original before installing.

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Files included (2)

  • SKILL.md3.0 KB
  • agents/openai.yaml135 B

SKILL.md (original)

Review the instructions the agent will receive before you install.

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>

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