What is the 'Explore Stance'?

The Explore Stance is a non-prescriptive approach where the AI acts as a curious partner, asking clarifying questions and providing visual diagrams rather than following a rigid script.

How does it help with existing codebases?

It can read and analyze your files to map current architectures, identify integration points, and surface hidden complexities before you begin a formal change process.

Can OpenSpec Explore write code for me?

No, Explore mode is strictly for thinking and investigation. It is designed to prevent code implementation to ensure you focus entirely on design, strategy, and understanding.

Does it create any documentation?

Yes, while it won't write application code, it can create or update OpenSpec artifacts such as proposals, design documents, and specification files to capture your decisions.

OpenSpec Explore Mode

Name: OpenSpec Explore Mode
Author: ValorVie

byValorVie

•

Productivity & Workflow

Acts as a dedicated thinking partner for architectural exploration, requirement clarification, and codebase investigation without writing code.

OpenSpec Explore Mode transforms Claude into a collaborative brainstorming partner focused on high-level strategy and system design rather than implementation. It allows developers to navigate complex codebases, visualize architectures with ASCII diagrams, and refine requirements before committing to changes. By separating thinking from doing, it ensures that technical decisions are well-grounded and documented in OpenSpec artifacts like proposals and design specs, providing a safe space to 'think out loud' without the risk of accidental code modifications or premature implementation.

Key Features

01Deep codebase investigation and architectural mapping

02Interactive brainstorming for problem reframing and assumption testing

033 GitHub stars

04Liberal use of ASCII diagrams for visual system modeling

05Seamless integration with OpenSpec artifacts for requirement capture

06Strict guardrails that prevent accidental code implementation during discovery

Use Cases

01Investigating legacy codebases to identify technical debt and potential refactoring paths

02Comparing technical trade-offs between different libraries or architectural patterns

03Mapping out high-level architecture for complex features before writing the first line of code

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add valorvie/custom-skills openspec-explore

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill