openspec-ff-change

Fast-forward through artifact creation - generate everything needed to start implementation in one go.

Input: The user's request should include a change name (kebab-case) OR a description of what they want to build.

Steps

1. If no clear input provided, ask what they want to build

Use the AskUserQuestion tool (open-ended, no preset options) to ask: > "What change do you want to work on? Describe what you want to build or fix."

From their description, derive a kebab-case name (e.g., "add user authentication" → add-user-auth).

IMPORTANT: Do NOT proceed without understanding what the user wants to build.

1. Create the change directory

``bash openspec new change "<name>" ` This creates a scaffolded change at openspec/changes/<name>/`.

1. Get the artifact build order

``bash openspec status --change "<name>" --json ` Parse the JSON to get: - applyRequires: array of artifact IDs needed before implementation (e.g., ["tasks"]) - artifacts`: list of all artifacts with their status and dependencies

1. Create artifacts in sequence until apply-ready

Use the TodoWrite tool to track progress through the artifacts.

Loop through artifacts in dependency order (artifacts with no pending dependencies first):

a. For each artifact that is ready (dependencies satisfied): - Get instructions: ``bash openspec instructions <artifact-id> --change "<name>" --json ` - The instructions JSON includes: - template: The template content to use - instruction: Schema-specific guidance for this artifact type - outputPath: Where to write the artifact - dependencies: Completed artifacts to read for context - Read any completed dependency files for context - Create the artifact file following the schema's instruction` - Show brief progress: "✓ Created <artifact-id>"

b. Continue until all applyRequires artifacts are complete - After creating each artifact, re-run openspec status --change "<name>" --json - Check if every artifact ID in applyRequires has status: "done" in the artifacts array - Stop when all applyRequires artifacts are done

c. If an artifact requires user input (unclear context): - Use AskUserQuestion tool to clarify - Then continue with creation

1. Show final status

``bash openspec status --change "<name>" ``

Output

After completing all artifacts, summarize:

• Change name and location
• List of artifacts created with brief descriptions
• What's ready: "All artifacts created! Ready for implementation."
• Prompt: "Run /opsx:apply or ask me to implement to start working on the tasks."

Artifact Creation Guidelines

• Follow the instruction field from openspec instructions for each artifact type
• The schema defines what each artifact should contain - follow it
• Read dependency artifacts for context before creating new ones
• Use the template as a starting point, filling in based on context

Guardrails

• Create ALL artifacts needed for implementation (as defined by schema's apply.requires)
• Always read dependency artifacts before creating a new one
• If context is critically unclear, ask the user - but prefer making reasonable decisions to keep momentum
• If a change with that name already exists, suggest continuing that change instead
• Verify each artifact file exists after writing before proceeding to next