Skip to main content
specs.md Framework Architecture

​
What is specs.md?

specs.md is an AI-native development framework with pluggable flows for every use case. Choose the flow that matches your project needs:

Simple Flow

Spec generation only. Quick requirements, design, and task documents.

FIRE Flow

Adaptive execution. Right-sizes the rigor, brownfield & monorepo ready.

AI-DLC Flow

Full methodology. Complete lifecycle with DDD and 4 agents.
Not sure which flow? Check out our Choose Your Flow guide for a detailed comparison.

​
Quick Start

Installation

Install specs.md and select your flow

IDE Extension

Track progress with the VS Code extension

​
Framework Architecture

specs.md is built as a pluggable framework where development methodologies are implemented as flows: 
specs.md (Framework)
├── Core (Standards, Agents, State)
└── Flows/
    ├── simple/     ← Spec generation only
    ├── fire/       ← Rapid execution (0-2 checkpoints)
    └── aidlc/      ← Full methodology with DDD

​
Key Features

Simple for quick specs, FIRE for rapid execution, AI-DLC for full methodology. Choose based on your project needs.
FIRE flow adapts oversight to complexity: 0 checkpoints for simple tasks, 1 for standard features, 2 for critical changes.
Auto-detects existing patterns, respects conventions, and extends rather than rewrites your codebase.
Hierarchical standards with module-specific overrides. One project, multiple tech stacks.
Domain-Driven Design is integral to AI-DLC Construction phase for complex domains.
Works with Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and other AI coding assistants. Markdown-based agents work anywhere.
Track your progress with our sidebar extension for VS Code, Cursor, and Windsurf. Monitor progress, browse specs, and view project metrics visually.

​
Flow Comparison

AspectSimpleFIREAI-DLC
Optimized ForSpec generationAdaptive executionFull traceability
Checkpoints3 (phase gates)Adaptive (complexity + config)Comprehensive
Agents134
Execution TrackingNoYesYes
Design DocsBasicWhen complexity warrantsDDD or Simple bolt
MonorepoNoFirst-classLimited

​
Supported Tools

specs.md is IDE and AI-agnostic—you choose your tools, no vendor lock-in.

Claude Code

Slash commands

Cursor

Rules integration

GitHub Copilot

Agents support

Windsurf

Rules integration

Cline

Rules integration

Roo

Rules integration

Kiro

Agents support

Google Antigravity

Agents support

Gemini CLI

Agents support

Codex CLI

Agents support

OpenCode

Agents support
Unlike tools that lock you into a specific paid IDE, specs.md works with any AI coding tool. Your specs and agents are portable markdown files that work everywhere.

​
Get Started

1

Install specs.md

npx specsmd@latest install
2

Select your flow

Choose Simple, FIRE, or AI-DLC based on your project needs
3

Start building

Invoke your flow’s agent and describe what you want to build

​
Why specs.md?

Traditional development methods were built for human-driven, long-running processes. specs.md reimagines the development lifecycle with AI as a central collaborator:
  • Choose your overhead: From no execution tracking (Simple) to full methodology (AI-DLC)
  • Adaptive checkpoints: FIRE adapts oversight to complexity—skip ceremony for simple tasks
  • Brownfield-first: FIRE auto-detects existing patterns and conventions
  • Persistent context: AI can reference across sessions with structured artifacts
  • Rapid cycles: Ship features in hours, not weeks
Featured on Product Hunt! Check out our launch and leave a review: specs.md on Product Hunt →