How to Create a Feature Specification

Use this guide to capture a new feature specification with /spec-kitty.specify.

When to Use

Run this when you are starting a brand-new feature and need a spec before planning or implementation.

The Command

In your agent:

/spec-kitty.specify <description>

Run it from the repository root checkout. Planning artifacts are created in kitty-specs/ on the mission's target branch, and no worktrees are created during specify. If you do not pass --target-branch, Spec Kitty uses the current branch.

When you run the direct CLI form (spec-kitty specify <description>), it creates the mission scaffold and marks the result as scaffold-only. Fill spec.md with the complete specification before running spec-kitty plan --mission <mission>.

The Discovery Interview

After the command, the CLI interviews you for missing details. You must answer each question before the spec is generated. Expect the agent to respond with WAITING_FOR_DISCOVERY_INPUT until the interview is complete.

What Gets Created

• kitty-specs/###-feature/spec.md
• kitty-specs/###-feature/meta.json
• kitty-specs/###-feature/checklists/requirements.md

Example

/spec-kitty.specify Build a photo organizer that groups albums by date and supports drag-and-drop reordering.

During discovery, answer follow-up questions (roles, constraints, success criteria). Once complete, write the specification content to kitty-specs/<feature>/spec.md on the mission's target branch.

Troubleshooting

• Stuck on discovery: Answer the remaining interview questions. The spec will not be created until the interview is complete.
• Wrong directory: Run from the repository root checkout, not from a worktree.
• Wrong landing branch: Check spec-kitty agent mission branch-context --json before creating the mission, or pass --target-branch <branch> explicitly.
• Need to revise the spec: Re-run /spec-kitty.specify with the updated description and follow the interview again.

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Command Reference

• Slash Commands - All /spec-kitty.* commands
• CLI Commands - Full CLI reference

See Also

• Create a Plan - Next step after specification
• Keep Main Clean - Choose a target branch without changing planning location
• Switch Missions - Choose different mission types

Background

• Spec-Driven Development - Why specs come first
• Mission System - How missions affect specifications

Getting Started

• Getting Started Tutorial - Hands-on introduction
• Your First Feature - Complete workflow walkthrough