How do I move from exploration to implementation?

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

Does OpenSpec Explore write application code?

No, Explore mode is strictly for thinking, investigating, and planning. While it can create OpenSpec artifacts like designs and proposals, it will never write or modify your application's source code.

Do I need any external tools to use this skill?

Yes, this skill requires the OpenSpec CLI to be installed to manage changes, list active tasks, and handle project artifacts.

What is the benefit of using Explore mode over standard chat?

Explore mode adopts a specific 'curious' stance that prioritizes deep thinking, visualization, and codebase grounding, preventing the AI from rushing toward premature implementation.

Can I save the insights discovered during an exploration session?

Absolutely. You can ask the skill to capture design decisions, new requirements, or scope changes directly into OpenSpec Markdown artifacts like design.md or spec.md.

OpenSpec Explore Mode

Name: OpenSpec Explore Mode
Author: BlackBeltTechnology

byBlackBeltTechnology

0•

Developer Tools

Activates a dedicated thinking partner mode for investigating codebases, clarifying requirements, and exploring architectural ideas without implementation.

OpenSpec Explore is a specialized conceptual mode designed to facilitate deep technical discovery and architectural brainstorming within Claude Code. It shifts the AI's stance from implementation to investigation, allowing users to map out complex system dependencies, challenge project assumptions, and visualize data flows using ASCII diagrams. By grounding discussions in the actual codebase while strictly prohibiting code modifications, it provides a safe space for high-level planning and requirement refinement. The skill integrates seamlessly with the OpenSpec CLI, enabling the creation and update of proposals, designs, and specifications to capture insights before the first line of production code is ever written.

Key Features

01Collaborative brainstorming to surface hidden complexities and project risks

02Flexible, non-prescriptive dialogue designed to follow complex technical threads

03Integration with OpenSpec CLI for managing proposals, designs, and specifications

04Deep codebase investigation and architectural mapping via ASCII visualization

05Context-aware analysis of existing project artifacts to identify requirement gaps

060 GitHub stars

Use Cases

01Comparing multiple architectural approaches and documenting trade-offs in a design artifact

02Clarifying vague user requirements and formalizing them into actionable OpenSpec proposals

03Investigating a legacy codebase to understand integration points before planning a major refactor

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add blackbelttechnology/judo-generator-commons openspec-explore

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Key Features

01Collaborative brainstorming to surface hidden complexities and project risks

02Flexible, non-prescriptive dialogue designed to follow complex technical threads

03Integration with OpenSpec CLI for managing proposals, designs, and specifications

04Deep codebase investigation and architectural mapping via ASCII visualization

05Context-aware analysis of existing project artifacts to identify requirement gaps

060 GitHub stars

Use Cases

01Comparing multiple architectural approaches and documenting trade-offs in a design artifact

02Clarifying vague user requirements and formalizing them into actionable OpenSpec proposals

03Investigating a legacy codebase to understand integration points before planning a major refactor