# gjalla-spec

Prompts AI coding agents to produce detailed technical specifications, threat models, and testing criteria before touching project code.

- skill · `type=skill` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, OpenCode · 856 installs · ★ 3
- Author: gjalla
- License: not stated · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/gjalla/engineering/tree/HEAD/skills/gjalla-spec/SKILL.md
- Updated: 2026-09-20
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/gjalla-spec

## What it does

This skill guides coding assistants through a structured pre-implementation phase. The agent first inspects the system architecture and data flows using the `gjalla` CLI or MCP server. If requirements remain ambiguous, it asks the developer direct questions instead of guessing. Once the context is clear, `gjalla spec new` generates a fresh document scaffold.

The resulting specification outlines problem definitions, security implications, and rollback steps. Every behavioral expectation must name the specific file and function responsible for enforcing it. The workflow also mandates identifying at least one test that fails immediately and passes only after completion. Without the `gjalla` toolchain installed locally, scaffolding and merging specs will fail.

The agent cannot write code immediately. It presents the draft through native plan modes or text output and pauses for explicit human review. Implementation starts only after direct developer approval.

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add gjalla/engineering --skill gjalla-spec -a claude-code
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `~/.claude/skills/gjalla-spec/SKILL.md` — Copy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/gjalla-spec/

### Codex

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add gjalla/engineering --skill gjalla-spec -a codex
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.agents/skills/gjalla-spec/SKILL.md` — For all projects use ~/.agents/skills/

### Cursor

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add gjalla/engineering --skill gjalla-spec -a cursor
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.cursor/skills/gjalla-spec/SKILL.md` — Cursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/

### GitHub Copilot

1. **GitHub CLI**
```bash
gh skill install gjalla/engineering gjalla-spec
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.github/skills/gjalla-spec/SKILL.md`

### Gemini CLI

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add gjalla/engineering --skill gjalla-spec -a gemini-cli
```

2. **Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini skills install https://github.com/gjalla/engineering --path skills/gjalla-spec
```

### Windsurf (Devin Desktop)

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.devin/skills/gjalla-spec/SKILL.md` — The legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works

### OpenCode

**Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add gjalla/engineering --skill gjalla-spec -a opencode
```

### Claude.ai

**Claude.ai**
- Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills

Where a file is given instead of a command, copy the files from the source to that path: https://github.com/gjalla/engineering/tree/HEAD/skills/gjalla-spec/SKILL.md

## When to use it
- Draft a technical specification prior to editing source code
- Map out security boundaries and potential vulnerabilities in advance
- Define a failing test case to verify the upcoming implementation
- Enforce human approval gates before code changes begin

## Example prompts
- Plan the new authentication flow using gjalla-spec
- Draft a change specification for refactoring the payment processor
- Create an implementation plan with security checks for the file upload endpoint

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From the same set: [gjalla/engineering](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/by/gjalla/engineering.md) — 5 cards

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