Can OpenSpec Explore write code for me?

No, Explore mode is strictly for thinking, planning, and investigation. It helps you design solutions and capture insights, but you must exit to an implementation mode to write application code.

Why does the skill use ASCII diagrams?

ASCII diagrams provide immediate visual clarity for state machines, data flows, and architecture sketches directly within the terminal, making complex ideas easier to grasp during exploration.

How does it investigate an existing codebase?

Claude can read files, search code, and analyze your current project structure to find integration points, identify existing patterns, and surface risks relevant to the conversation.

What are OpenSpec artifacts?

OpenSpec artifacts are structured markdown files such as proposals, designs, specs, and tasks used to document the thinking process and technical decisions within your project.

Is there a fixed workflow I need to follow?

No. Explore mode is a stance, not a workflow. It is designed to be adaptive and follow the natural flow of conversation wherever the investigation leads.

OpenSpec Explore Mode

Name: OpenSpec Explore Mode
Author: MichaelvanLaar

byMichaelvanLaar

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Productivity & Workflow

Transforms Claude into a dedicated thinking partner for exploring architecture, investigating problems, and clarifying requirements without writing code.

OpenSpec Explore Mode is a specialized cognitive environment designed to shift Claude from implementation to deep investigation. It allows developers to map codebase architectures, challenge technical assumptions, and visualize complex systems using ASCII diagrams before a single line of code is written. By grounding discussions in the actual codebase while prohibiting unauthorized changes, it ensures that high-level design decisions are fully vetted and captured in OpenSpec artifacts like proposals, designs, and specifications.

Key Features

01Visual system mapping using detailed ASCII diagrams for architecture and data flows

021 GitHub stars

03Strict implementation guardrails to prevent accidental code changes during the discovery phase

04Deep codebase investigation to identify patterns and surface hidden complexities

05Automated OpenSpec awareness for reading and updating design artifacts and proposals

06Curious, non-prescriptive inquiry that explores multiple technical directions simultaneously

Use Cases

01Investigating complex legacy codebases to map out dependencies and potential risks

02Brainstorming the architecture and trade-offs for a new feature before starting development

03Clarifying vague project requirements and formalizing them into actionable OpenSpec documents

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add michaelvanlaar/vscode-kirby-toolkit openspec-explore

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill