@devobsessed/code-captain 0.0.3

package/copilot/prompts/create-spec.prompt.md

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+---
+mode: agent
+---
+
+# Create Spec Command
+
+## Overview
+
+Generate comprehensive feature specifications using a contract-first approach that ensures complete alignment between developer and AI before creating any supporting files. This command eliminates presumptuous file creation by establishing a clear "contract" through structured clarification rounds.
+
+## Command Process
+
+### Phase 1: Contract Establishment (No File Creation)
+
+**Mission Statement:**
+> Your goal is to turn my rough feature idea into a very clear work specification. You will deliver the complete spec package only after we both agree on the requirements contract. **Important: Challenge ideas that don't make technical or business sense - it's better to surface concerns early than build the wrong thing.**
+
+#### Step 1.1: Initial Context Scan
+- Scan existing `.code-captain/specs/` for related specifications
+- Analyze current codebase architecture and patterns using `codebase`
+- Load project context files (`tech-stack.md`, `code-style.md`, `objective.md`)
+- **Output:** Context summary (no files created yet)
+
+#### Step 1.2: Gap Analysis & Silent Enumeration
+**Internal Process (not shown to user):**
+- Silently list every missing fact, constraint, or requirement
+- Identify ambiguities in the initial description
+- Note potential integration points and dependencies
+- Catalog unknowns across these domains:
+  - Purpose & business value
+  - Target audience & user personas  
+  - Technical constraints & requirements
+  - Success criteria & acceptance tests
+  - Scope boundaries (in/out of scope)
+  - UI/UX requirements & design constraints
+  - Performance & scalability needs
+  - Security & compliance requirements
+  - Integration points with existing systems
+  - Risk tolerance & implementation approach
+
+#### Step 1.3: Structured Clarification Loop
+**Rules:**
+- Ask ONE focused question at a time
+- After each answer, re-scan codebase for new context if relevant
+- Continue until reaching 95% confidence on deliverable
+- Each question should target the highest-impact unknown
+- **Never declare "final question"** - let the conversation flow naturally
+- Let the user signal when they're ready to lock the contract
+- **Challenge ideas that don't make technical or business sense** - better to surface concerns early than build the wrong thing
+
+**Critical Analysis Responsibility:**
+- If requirements seem technically infeasible with current architecture, explain why and suggest alternatives
+- If scope seems too large for a single feature, recommend breaking it down
+- If user requests conflict with existing patterns found in codebase, point out the inconsistency
+- If business logic doesn't align with stated user value, ask clarifying questions
+- If performance/security/scalability concerns arise, surface them proactively
+
+**Pushback Phrasing Examples:**
+- "I see a potential issue with [requirement] because [technical reason]. Would [alternative approach] work better?"
+- "Based on your existing codebase, [proposed approach] might conflict with [existing pattern]. How should we handle this?"
+- "The scope you're describing sounds like it might be 3-4 separate features. Should we focus on [core piece] first?"
+- "I'm concerned that [requirement] could create [specific problem]. Have you considered [alternative]?"
+
+**Question Categories (examples):**
+- "What specific user problem does this solve, and who experiences it?"
+- "Should this integrate with [existing system found in codebase], or remain separate?"  
+- "What does 'success' look like - how will we measure if this works?"
+- "Are there performance requirements (response time, throughput, scale)?"
+- "What UI/UX constraints exist - web only, mobile responsive, accessibility needs?"
+- "What's your risk tolerance - prefer stable/proven approaches or cutting-edge solutions?"
+
+**Transition to Contract:**
+- When confidence is high, present contract without declaring it "final"
+- Use phrases like "I think I have enough to create a solid contract" or "Based on our discussion, here's what I understand"
+- Always leave room for more questions if needed
+
+#### Step 1.4: Echo Check (Contract Proposal)
+When confident, present a contract proposal with any concerns surfaced:
+
+**Format:**
+```
+## Specification Contract
+
+**Deliverable:** [One clear sentence describing what will be built]
+
+**Must Include:** [Critical requirement that makes this valuable]  
+
+**Hardest Constraint:** [Biggest technical/business limitation to navigate]
+
+**Success Criteria:** [How we'll know it's working correctly]
+
+**Scope Boundaries:** 
+- In Scope: [2-3 key features]
+- Out of Scope: [2-3 things we won't build]
+
+**⚠️ Technical Concerns (if any):**
+- [Specific concern about feasibility, performance, or architecture]
+- [Suggested alternative or mitigation approach]
+
+**💡 Recommendations:**
+- [Suggestions for improving the approach based on codebase analysis]
+- [Ways to reduce risk or complexity]
+
+---
+Options:
+- Type 'yes' to lock this contract and create the spec package
+- Type 'edit: [your changes]' to modify the contract  
+- Type 'risks' to explore potential implementation risks in detail
+- Type 'blueprint' to see the planned folder structure and documents
+- Ask more questions if anything needs clarification
+```
+
+### Phase 2: Spec Package Creation (Post-Agreement Only)
+
+**Triggered only after user confirms contract with 'yes'**
+
+#### Step 2.1: Determine Current Date
+**Objective:** Get current date for folder naming and document timestamps
+
+**Date Determination Process:**
+
+1. **CREATE** directory if not exists: `.code-captain/specs/`
+2. **CREATE** temporary file: `.code-captain/specs/.date-check`
+3. **READ** file creation timestamp from filesystem
+4. **EXTRACT** date in YYYY-MM-DD format
+5. **DELETE** temporary file
+6. **STORE** date in variable for folder naming
+
+**Fallback Method:** If file system method fails:
+1. **STATE**: "I need to confirm today's date for the specification folder"
+2. **ASK**: "What is today's date? (YYYY-MM-DD format)"
+3. **WAIT** for user response
+4. **VALIDATE** format matches `^\d{4}-\d{2}-\d{2}$`
+   - year: 2024-2030
+   - month: 01-12
+   - day: 01-31
+5. **STORE** date for folder naming
+
+**Error Handling:**
+- **IF** date_invalid: USE fallback_method
+- **IF** both_methods_fail: ERROR "Unable to determine current date"
+
+#### Step 2.2: Create Directory Structure
+**Generated folder (using determined date):**
+```
+.code-captain/specs/[DATE]-{feature-name}/
+├── spec.md                    # Main specification (from contract)
+├── spec-lite.md              # Condensed version for AI context  
+├── user-stories/             # Individual user story files
+│   ├── README.md             # Overview and progress tracking
+│   ├── story-1-{name}.md     # Individual user story with focused tasks
+│   ├── story-2-{name}.md     # Each story kept small and manageable
+│   └── story-N-{name}.md     # Max 5-7 implementation tasks per story
+└── sub-specs/                # Technical deep-dives
+    ├── technical-spec.md     # Architecture & implementation details
+    ├── database-schema.md    # Database changes (if needed)
+    ├── api-spec.md          # API documentation (if needed)
+    └── ui-wireframes.md     # UI/UX specifications (if needed)  
+```
+
+#### Step 2.3: Generate Core Documents
+
+**spec.md** - Built directly from the locked contract:
+```markdown
+# [Feature Name] Specification
+
+> Created: [DATE from Step 2.1 determination process]
+> Status: Planning  
+> Contract Locked: ✅
+
+## Contract Summary
+[Echo check content verbatim]
+
+## Detailed Requirements
+[Expanded from clarification responses]
+
+## Implementation Approach
+[Technical strategy based on codebase analysis]
+```
+
+**user-stories/ folder structure** - Individual user story files for better organization:
+
+**user-stories/README.md** - Overview and progress tracking:
+```markdown
+# User Stories Overview
+
+> **Specification:** [Feature Name]
+> **Created:** [DATE]
+> **Status:** Planning
+
+## Stories Summary
+
+| Story | Title | Status | Tasks | Progress |
+|-------|-------|--------|-------|----------|
+| 1 | [Story title] | Not Started | 5 | 0/5 |
+| 2 | [Story title] | Not Started | 4 | 0/4 |
+| 3 | [Story title] | Not Started | 6 | 0/6 |
+
+**Total Progress:** 0/15 tasks (0%)
+
+## Story Dependencies
+- Story 2 depends on Story 1 completion
+- Story 3 can run parallel to Story 2
+
+## Quick Links
+- [Story 1: User Login](./story-1-user-login.md)
+- [Story 2: Password Reset](./story-2-password-reset.md)
+- [Story 3: Profile Management](./story-3-profile-management.md)
+```
+
+**user-stories/story-1-{name}.md** - Individual story files (max 5-7 tasks each):
+```markdown
+# Story 1: [Title from contract deliverable]
+
+> **Status:** Not Started
+> **Priority:** High
+> **Dependencies:** None
+
+## User Story
+**As a** [user type from clarification]
+**I want to** [action from contract]  
+**So that** [value from contract must-include]
+
+## Acceptance Criteria
+- [ ] Given [context], when [action], then [outcome]
+- [ ] Given [context], when [action], then [outcome]
+- [ ] Given [context], when [action], then [outcome]
+
+## Implementation Tasks
+- [ ] 1.1 Write tests for [specific component]
+- [ ] 1.2 [Focused technical step]
+- [ ] 1.3 [Focused technical step] 
+- [ ] 1.4 [Focused technical step]
+- [ ] 1.5 Verify acceptance criteria are met
+- [ ] 1.6 Verify all tests pass
+
+## Notes
+[Any specific technical considerations, risks, or dependencies for this story]
+
+## Definition of Done
+- [ ] All tasks completed
+- [ ] All acceptance criteria met
+- [ ] Tests passing
+- [ ] Code reviewed
+- [ ] Documentation updated
+```
+
+#### Step 2.4: Generate Technical Sub-Specs
+
+**Only create relevant sub-specs based on contract requirements:**
+
+- **technical-spec.md**: Always created - architecture, patterns, dependencies
+- **database-schema.md**: Only if database changes needed (determined during clarification)
+- **api-spec.md**: Only if new API endpoints required
+- **ui-wireframes.md**: Only if UI/UX requirements were discussed
+
+**Cross-reference integration**: Each sub-spec references relevant user stories from the user-stories/ folder to maintain traceability between technical details and user value.
+
+#### Step 2.5: Create User Stories Folder Structure
+
+**user-stories/ folder** - Organized individual story files with focused task groups:
+
+**Structure Philosophy:**
+- Each user story gets its own file for better organization
+- Implementation tasks are kept small and focused (max 5-7 per story)
+- Complex stories are broken into multiple smaller stories
+- README.md provides overview and progress tracking
+- Acceptance criteria become verification checkpoints
+- Each story follows TDD: test → implement → verify acceptance criteria
+
+**Benefits of Folder Structure:**
+- **Manageability**: Each file stays focused and readable
+- **Navigation**: Easy to find and work on specific stories
+- **Parallel Work**: Multiple developers can work on different stories
+- **Version Control**: Smaller, focused diffs when stories change
+- **Progress Tracking**: Clear visibility of completion status
+- **Traceability**: Every technical task traces to user value
+
+**File Organization:**
+- **README.md**: Overview, progress summary, dependencies
+- **story-N-{name}.md**: Individual stories with focused tasks (5-7 tasks max)
+- **Story Naming**: Clear, descriptive names for easy identification
+- **Task Numbering**: N.1, N.2, N.3... within each story file
+
+**Task Breakdown Strategy:**
+- If a story would have >7 tasks, split into multiple stories
+- Each story should deliver standalone user value
+- Tasks within a story should be cohesive and related
+- Always start with tests (N.1 Write tests...)
+- Always end with verification (N.X Verify acceptance criteria met)
+
+#### Step 2.6: Final Package Review & User Validation
+
+Present complete package with file references:
+```
+✅ Specification package created successfully!
+
+📁 .code-captain/specs/[DATE]-feature-name/
+├── 📋 spec.md - Main specification document
+├── 📝 spec-lite.md - AI context summary  
+├── 👥 user-stories/ - Individual user story files
+│   ├── 📊 README.md - Overview and progress tracking
+│   ├── 📝 story-1-{name}.md - Focused story with 5-7 tasks
+│   ├── 📝 story-2-{name}.md - Manageable task groups
+│   └── 📝 story-N-{name}.md - Easy navigation and parallel work
+└── 📂 sub-specs/
+    ├── 🔧 technical-spec.md - Technical requirements
+    [Additional specs as created]
+
+**Stories Created:** [N] user stories with focused task groups (max 5-7 tasks each)
+**Total Tasks:** [X] implementation tasks across all stories
+**Organization:** Each story is self-contained for better workflow management
+
+Please take a moment to review the specification documents. The spec captures everything we discussed, including:
+- [Brief summary of key features/requirements]
+- [Notable technical approach or constraint]
+- [Implementation approach or user story highlights]
+
+Please read through the files and let me know:
+- Does this accurately capture your vision?
+- Are there any missing requirements or incorrect assumptions?
+- Are the user stories appropriately sized (5-7 tasks each)?
+- Should any stories be split further or combined?
+
+The user-stories folder structure allows you to:
+- Work on one story at a time for focused development
+- Track progress easily with the README overview
+- Assign different stories to different team members
+- Keep task lists manageable and actionable
+
+Once you're satisfied with the specification, I can help you start implementation with the first story, or we can make any needed adjustments.
+```
+
+## Tool Integration
+
+**Primary tools:**
+- `codebase` - Scanning existing architecture and patterns
+- `search` - Finding related specifications and documentation
+- `editFiles` - Creating specification documents
+- `runCommands` - Date determination and directory creation
+- `fetch` - External research for best practices
+
+**Documentation organization:**
+- Specifications stored in `.code-captain/specs/[DATE]-{feature-name}/`
+- User stories organized in individual files for better management
+- Technical sub-specs created only when relevant
+
+## Key Improvements Over Original
+
+### 1. Contract-First Approach
+- **No presumptuous file creation** - Nothing gets built until contract is locked
+- **Structured clarification** - One question at a time, building understanding
+- **Echo check validation** - Clear contract summary before proceeding
+
+### 2. Codebase-Aware Questioning  
+- **Context scanning between questions** - Each answer triggers fresh codebase analysis
+- **Integration-focused queries** - Questions shaped by what exists in the codebase
+- **Architecture consistency** - Recommendations align with existing patterns
+
+### 3. User Control & Transparency
+- **Clear decision points** - User explicitly approves before file creation
+- **Risk assessment option** - Can explore implementation risks before committing  
+- **Blueprint preview** - Can see planned structure before creation
+- **Edit capability** - Can modify contract before locking
+
+### 4. Efficient Clarification Process
+- **Gap enumeration** - Systematically identifies all unknowns
+- **95% confidence threshold** - Stops asking when ready to deliver
+- **Token efficiency** - Focused questions, no verbose explanations during clarification
+
+## Example Usage Flow
+
+```
+Developer: /create-spec "real-time multiplayer chat with blockchain integration"
+
+Agent: I'm ready to help you create a comprehensive specification.
+
+Let me first scan your codebase to understand the current architecture...
+
+[Scans existing code, finds a simple React app with basic authentication]
+
+I found your existing React application with basic user authentication, but I'm seeing some potential concerns with your request.
+
+First question: You mentioned "real-time multiplayer chat with blockchain integration" - I see technical challenges with this combination. Real-time chat typically requires sub-100ms latency, but blockchain transactions can take seconds or minutes to confirm. What specific problem are you trying to solve with blockchain in a chat context?
+
+Developer: I want messages to be permanently stored and verifiable, plus users should pay crypto to send messages to prevent spam
+
+Agent: I understand the anti-spam goal, but I'm concerned about the user experience. If users have to wait 30+ seconds for transaction confirmation before each message appears, that breaks the "real-time" chat experience. 
+
+Would a hybrid approach work better - immediate message delivery with blockchain settlement in the background? Or are you thinking of a different model where users pre-purchase message credits?
+
+Developer: Oh, that's a good point. Let's do the hybrid approach with background settlement
+
+Agent: [Continues with more informed questions about the hybrid architecture...]
+
+## Specification Contract
+
+**Deliverable:** Hybrid real-time chat with immediate message delivery and background blockchain verification for anti-spam
+
+**Must Include:** Sub-second message delivery while maintaining blockchain verification for spam prevention
+
+**Hardest Constraint:** Balancing real-time UX with blockchain settlement delays and gas cost management
+
+**⚠️ Technical Concerns:**
+- Gas costs could make casual chat expensive ($1-5 per message during network congestion)
+- Background settlement failures need graceful handling and user notification
+- Wallet integration adds authentication complexity to existing simple auth system
+
+**💡 Recommendations:**
+- Consider Layer 2 solution (Polygon) to reduce gas costs to $0.01-0.10 per message
+- Implement message batching to settle multiple messages in single transaction
+- Add fallback mode for when blockchain settlement fails
+
+**Success Criteria:** Messages appear instantly, spam is prevented via crypto payments, blockchain verification happens within 5 minutes
+
+**Scope Boundaries:**
+- In Scope: Real-time chat, wallet integration, background blockchain settlement
+- Out of Scope: Advanced chat features (file sharing, voice), custom token creation
+
+---
+Options: [yes/edit/risks/blueprint]
+
+Developer: yes
+
+Agent: ✅ Contract locked! Creating specification package...
+
+[Creates files that account for the technical concerns and hybrid architecture discussed]
+```
+
+This approach ensures that every specification is built on solid understanding rather than assumptions, while respecting the developer's time and maintaining control over the process.