
Create Specification
- 12.8k installs
- 37.1k repo stars
- Updated July 28, 2026
- github/awesome-copilot
Create Specification is a skill for writing AI-optimized specification documents with structured requirements.
About
Create Specification generates specification files optimized for generative AI consumption. Developers use this skill to create clear, machine-readable specifications for requirements, constraints, and interfaces. The skill ensures specifications are self-contained, use structured formatting, and avoid context-dependent language.
- AI-ready specification format: precise language, structured sections, unambiguous requirements
- Template-driven with standard sections: purpose, definitions, requirements, interfaces, acceptance criteria, testing str
- Markdown-based with YAML frontmatter for metadata, automation-ready for AI consumption
Create Specification by the numbers
- 12,785 all-time installs (skills.sh)
- +182 installs in the week ending Jul 28, 2026 (Skillselion tracking)
- Ranked #35 of 1,901 Documentation skills by installs in the Skillselion catalog
- Security screen: MEDIUM risk (skills.sh audit)
- Data as of Jul 28, 2026 (Skillselion catalog sync)
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| Installs | 12.8k |
|---|---|
| repo stars | ★ 37.1k |
| Security audit | 3 / 3 scanners passed |
| Last updated | July 28, 2026 |
| Repository | github/awesome-copilot ↗ |
How do you write AI-ready specification documents for coding agents?
Create Specification generates specification files optimized for generative AI consumption. Developers use this skill to create clear, machine-readable specifications for requirements, constraints, a
Who is it for?
Teams writing specifications for AI-assisted development and automation
Skip if: Teams that only need quick README notes or already maintain complete OpenAPI, ADR, or RFC documentation.
When should I use this skill?
The user asks to create a specification, define requirements for an AI agent, or document solution scope in an AI-consumable format.
What you get
A structured specification file with requirements, constraints, interfaces, and machine-readable scope definitions.
- Specification file
- Requirements document
- AI-optimized format
Files
Create Specification
Your goal is to create a new specification file for ${input:SpecPurpose}.
The specification file must define the requirements, constraints, and interfaces for the solution components in a manner that is clear, unambiguous, and structured for effective use by Generative AIs. Follow established documentation standards and ensure the content is machine-readable and self-contained.
Best Practices for AI-Ready Specifications
- Use precise, explicit, and unambiguous language.
- Clearly distinguish between requirements, constraints, and recommendations.
- Use structured formatting (headings, lists, tables) for easy parsing.
- Avoid idioms, metaphors, or context-dependent references.
- Define all acronyms and domain-specific terms.
- Include examples and edge cases where applicable.
- Ensure the document is self-contained and does not rely on external context.
The specification should be saved in the /spec/ directory and named according to the following convention: spec-[a-z0-9-]+.md, where the name should be descriptive of the specification's content and starting with the highlevel purpose, which is one of [schema, tool, data, infrastructure, process, architecture, or design].
The specification file must be formatted in well formed Markdown.
Specification files must follow the template below, ensuring that all sections are filled out appropriately. The front matter for the markdown should be structured correctly as per the example following:
---
title: [Concise Title Describing the Specification's Focus]
version: [Optional: e.g., 1.0, Date]
date_created: [YYYY-MM-DD]
last_updated: [Optional: YYYY-MM-DD]
owner: [Optional: Team/Individual responsible for this spec]
tags: [Optional: List of relevant tags or categories, e.g., `infrastructure`, `process`, `design`, `app` etc]
---
# Introduction
[A short concise introduction to the specification and the goal it is intended to achieve.]
## 1. Purpose & Scope
[Provide a clear, concise description of the specification's purpose and the scope of its application. State the intended audience and any assumptions.]
## 2. Definitions
[List and define all acronyms, abbreviations, and domain-specific terms used in this specification.]
## 3. Requirements, Constraints & Guidelines
[Explicitly list all requirements, constraints, rules, and guidelines. Use bullet points or tables for clarity.]
- **REQ-001**: Requirement 1
- **SEC-001**: Security Requirement 1
- **[3 LETTERS]-001**: Other Requirement 1
- **CON-001**: Constraint 1
- **GUD-001**: Guideline 1
- **PAT-001**: Pattern to follow 1
## 4. Interfaces & Data Contracts
[Describe the interfaces, APIs, data contracts, or integration points. Use tables or code blocks for schemas and examples.]
## 5. Acceptance Criteria
[Define clear, testable acceptance criteria for each requirement using Given-When-Then format where appropriate.]
- **AC-001**: Given [context], When [action], Then [expected outcome]
- **AC-002**: The system shall [specific behavior] when [condition]
- **AC-003**: [Additional acceptance criteria as needed]
## 6. Test Automation Strategy
[Define the testing approach, frameworks, and automation requirements.]
- **Test Levels**: Unit, Integration, End-to-End
- **Frameworks**: MSTest, FluentAssertions, Moq (for .NET applications)
- **Test Data Management**: [approach for test data creation and cleanup]
- **CI/CD Integration**: [automated testing in GitHub Actions pipelines]
- **Coverage Requirements**: [minimum code coverage thresholds]
- **Performance Testing**: [approach for load and performance testing]
## 7. Rationale & Context
[Explain the reasoning behind the requirements, constraints, and guidelines. Provide context for design decisions.]
## 8. Dependencies & External Integrations
[Define the external systems, services, and architectural dependencies required for this specification. Focus on **what** is needed rather than **how** it's implemented. Avoid specific package or library versions unless they represent architectural constraints.]
### External Systems
- **EXT-001**: [External system name] - [Purpose and integration type]
### Third-Party Services
- **SVC-001**: [Service name] - [Required capabilities and SLA requirements]
### Infrastructure Dependencies
- **INF-001**: [Infrastructure component] - [Requirements and constraints]
### Data Dependencies
- **DAT-001**: [External data source] - [Format, frequency, and access requirements]
### Technology Platform Dependencies
- **PLT-001**: [Platform/runtime requirement] - [Version constraints and rationale]
### Compliance Dependencies
- **COM-001**: [Regulatory or compliance requirement] - [Impact on implementation]
**Note**: This section should focus on architectural and business dependencies, not specific package implementations. For example, specify "OAuth 2.0 authentication library" rather than "Microsoft.AspNetCore.Authentication.JwtBearer v6.0.1".
## 9. Examples & Edge Cases
// Code snippet or data example demonstrating the correct application of the guidelines, including edge cases
## 10. Validation Criteria
[List the criteria or tests that must be satisfied for compliance with this specification.]
## 11. Related Specifications / Further Reading
[Link to related spec 1]
[Link to relevant external documentation]
Related skills
Forks & variants (1)
Create Specification has 1 known copy in the catalog totaling 219 installs. They canonicalize to this original listing.
- ilteoood - 219 installs
How it compares
Choose create-specification over generic doc templates when the primary consumer is a coding agent and requirements must be explicitly machine-parseable.
FAQ
What does create-specification produce?
create-specification produces a new specification file for a given SpecPurpose that defines requirements, constraints, and interfaces in clear, unambiguous language structured for generative AI consumption.
When should developers use create-specification?
create-specification fits pre-implementation planning when coding agents need a formal, self-contained spec instead of vague prompts. Use it before delegating multi-component builds to AI agents.
Is Create Specification safe to install?
skills.sh reports 3 of 3 security scanners passed. Review the Security Audits panel on this page before installing in production.