What is the main benefit of using Explore mode?

It provides a non-linear, curious investigation environment that helps you ground your ideas in the actual codebase and identify risks before you commit to a specific implementation path.

Can OpenSpec Explore write code for my project?

No, OpenSpec Explore is strictly for thinking and planning. It can create design artifacts like Markdown proposals, but it is explicitly restricted from writing or modifying application code.

Does it work with existing OpenSpec files?

Yes, it has full context of the OpenSpec system. It can read existing proposals, designs, and task lists to reference them naturally during your brainstorming session.

How do I move from exploring to building?

Once your ideas are crystallized, you can exit explore mode and initiate a formal change using OpenSpec commands like /opsx:new or /opsx:ff.

Does this skill require any external dependencies?

Yes, this skill requires the openspec CLI to be installed and configured in your development environment to function correctly.

OpenSpec Explore Mode

Name: OpenSpec Explore Mode
Author: alissonbgs

byalissonbgs

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Collaboration Tools

Facilitates deep architectural thinking and requirement clarification as an AI-driven brainstorming partner.

OpenSpec Explore is a specialized Claude Code skill designed for the pre-implementation phase of software development. It transforms Claude into a dedicated thinking partner that helps developers map codebase architecture, visualize complex systems through ASCII diagrams, and surface hidden technical risks without writing a single line of production code. By grounding discussions in the actual codebase while maintaining a non-prescriptive, curious stance, it enables developers to formalize vague ideas into structured OpenSpec artifacts (proposals, designs, and specs) before moving into the execution stage.

Key Features

01Trade-off analysis and comparison of technical implementation options

02Seamless integration with OpenSpec artifacts (proposals, designs, specs)

03Deep codebase investigation and architectural mapping

04Dynamic ASCII diagramming for system and data flow visualization

051 GitHub stars

06Risk assessment and assumption-challenging brainstorming

Use Cases

01Investigating a legacy codebase to identify patterns and integration points

02Brainstorming new feature requirements before writing any code

03Reframing complex technical problems when stuck mid-implementation

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add alissonbgs/ali-journey openspec-explore

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill