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Writing40k · #5086

create-specification

Lets your agent create a specification document. It writes a detailed guide that helps artificial intelligence understand the project.

What it does

This tool creates a detailed document called a 'specification'. This document acts as a clear guide for artificial intelligences (AI) to understand and build something, defining what is needed, what the rules are, and how the parts connect.

When to use it

  • ✓When starting a new software or system project.
  • ✓When you need to clearly explain a complex idea to an AI.
  • ✓To document technical requirements in an organized way.

Example of what to ask your AI

“Create a specification for a simple to-do list application.”

Want more? Open the sections below.

How to use

The easiest way: copy the message below and paste it into Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor or any AI. It reads the skill and follows the instructions.

Skill link

https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot/blob/main/skills/create-specification/SKILL.md

Ready-to-paste message

Use this skill to help me: https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot/blob/main/skills/create-specification/SKILL.md Read the SKILL.md file at that link and follow its instructions for my task.
How it works

You provide the main goal of the document (e.g., 'to-do list application'). The AI then uses a structured template to detail the purpose, requirements, rules, interfaces, and other important points, ensuring everything is clear and easy for another AI to understand.

Installation

Easiest way: copy the skill link and paste it into Claude, ChatGPT or Cursor asking it to follow the instructions.

In the terminal (Claude Code, Codex, Cursor), in your project folder:

npx skills add github/awesome-copilot --skill create-specification

Or download just the file:

curl -L https://raw.githubusercontent.com/github/awesome-copilot/main/skills/create-specification/SKILL.md -o SKILL.md
Technical content (original SKILL.md)

Original text by the author, straight from GitHub.

Create Specification

Your goal is to create a new specification file for ${input:SpecPurpose}.

The specification file must define the requirements, constraints, and interfaces for the solution components in a manner that is clear, unambiguous, and structured for effective use by Generative AIs. Follow established documentation standards and ensure the content is machine-readable and self-contained.

Best Practices for AI-Ready Specifications

  • Use precise, explicit, and unambiguous language.
  • Clearly distinguish between requirements, constraints, and recommendations.
  • Use structured formatting (headings, lists, tables) for easy parsing.
  • Avoid idioms, metaphors, or context-dependent references.
  • Define all acronyms and domain-specific terms.
  • Include examples and edge cases where applicable.
  • Ensure the document is self-contained and does not rely on external context.

The specification should be saved in the /spec/ directory and named according to the following convention: spec-[a-z0-9-]+.md, where the name should be descriptive of the specification's content and starting with the highlevel purpose, which is one of [schema, tool, data, infrastructure, process, architecture, or design].

The specification file must be formatted in well formed Markdown.

Specification files must follow the template below, ensuring that all sections are filled out appropriately. The front matter for the markdown should be structured correctly as per the example following:

---
title: [Concise Title Describing the Specification's Focus]
version: [Optional: e.g., 1.0, Date]
date_created: [YYYY-MM-DD]
last_updated: [Optional: YYYY-MM-DD]
owner: [Optional: Team/Individual responsible for this spec]
tags: [Optional: List of relevant tags or categories, e.g., `infrastructure`, `process`, `design`, `app` etc]
---

# Introduction

[A short concise introduction to the specification and the goal it is intended to achieve.]

## 1. Purpose & Scope

[Provide a clear, concise description of the specification's purpose and the scope of its application. State the intended audience and any assumptions.]

## 2. Definitions

[List and define all acronyms, abbreviations, and domain-specific terms used in this specification.]

## 3. Requirements, Constraints & Guidelines

[Explicitly list all requirements, constraints, rules, and guidelines. Use bullet points or tables for clarity.]

- **REQ-001**: Requirement 1
- **SEC-001**: Security Requirement 1
- **[3 LETTERS]-001**: Other Requirement 1
- **CON-001**: Constraint 1
- **GUD-001**: Guideline 1
- **PAT-001**: Pattern to follow 1

## 4. Interfaces & Data Contracts

[Describe the interfaces, APIs, data contracts, or integration points. Use tables or code blocks for schemas and examples.]

## 5. Acceptance Criteria

[Define clear, testable acceptance criteria for each requirement using Given-When-Then format where appropriate.]

- **AC-001**: Given [context], When [action], Then [expected outcome]
- **AC-002**: The system shall [specific behavior] when [condition]
- **AC-003**: [Additional acceptance criteria as needed]

## 6. Test Automation Strategy

[Define the testing approach, frameworks, and automation requirements.]

- **Test Levels**: Unit, Integration, End-to-End
- **Frameworks**: MSTest, FluentAssertions, Moq (for .NET applications)
- **Test Data Management**: [approach for test data creation and cleanup]
- **CI/CD Integration**: [automated testing in GitHub Actions pipelines]
- **Coverage Requirements**: [minimum code coverage thresholds]
- **Performance Testing**: [approach for load and performance testing]

## 7. Rationale & Context

[Explain the reasoning behind the requirements, constraints, and guidelines. Provide context for design decisions.]

## 8. Dependencies & External Integrations

[Define the external systems, services, and architectural dependencies required for this specification. Focus on **what** is needed rather than **how** it's implemented. Avoid specific package or library versions unless they represent architectural constraints.]

### External Systems
- **EXT-001**: [External system name] - [Purpose and integration type]

### Third-Party Services
- **SVC-001**: [Service name] - [Required capabilities and SLA requirements]

### Infrastructure Dependencies
- **INF-001**: [Infrastructure component] - [Requirements and constraints]

### Data Dependencies
- **DAT-001**: [External data source] - [Format, frequency, and access requirements]


…
FAQ

What is a 'specification'?

It's a document that describes in detail what a system or software should do, its rules, and how it should function. Think of it as a very complete instruction manual.

Why is it important to be clear and jargon-free for AI?

AIs understand direct and unambiguous instructions better. Using simple, structured language helps the AI correctly interpret what you want, avoiding errors.

What does 'optimized for Generative AI consumption' mean?

It means the document is written in a way that an AI can easily read, understand, and use to generate code or other outputs, following specific patterns and structures.

Details

Original description by the author

Create a new specification file for the solution, optimized for Generative AI consumption.

repo: github/awesome-copilot

Popularity

GitHub stars
40k
Ranking position
#5086
License
MIT
Updated
10/15/2026

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