openspec-explore
OpenSpec Explore Skill
Use /opsx:explore to think through ideas, investigate problems, compare options, and clarify requirements — all without creating any artifacts or committing to a structure. When insights crystallize, transition to openspec-new or openspec-ff.
When to Use
- Requirements are unclear and the user needs to investigate first.
- Comparing multiple approaches before deciding on one.
- The user wants to explore the codebase for improvement opportunities.
- Brainstorming before a formal change proposal.
Prerequisites
- OpenSpec initialized in the project (see openspec-initial).
Workflow
-
Start exploration
- Run
/opsx:exploreor/opsx:explore [topic]. - The agent opens an exploratory conversation with no structure required.
- Run
-
Investigate
- Analyze the codebase, compare options, create diagrams, answer questions.
- No artifacts are created during exploration — it is purely a thinking exercise.
-
Transition when ready
- When the user has clarity, suggest
/opsx:new <change-name>to start a formal change. - Or
/opsx:ff <change-name>if they want to create all planning artifacts at once.
- When the user has clarity, suggest
Outputs
- No artifacts or files are created. The output is the conversation itself — insights, options, recommendations.
Next Steps
- When ready to act: use openspec-new to start a change, or openspec-ff to fast-forward through planning.
Troubleshooting
- "Commands not recognized": Ensure OpenSpec is initialized (
openspec init). See openspec-initial.
References
More from partme-ai/openspec-skills
openspec-apply
Implement tasks from the change using `/opsx:apply`, working through the task list and checking off items. Use when the user says "implement", "apply the change", "/opsx:apply", or "start coding from tasks".
40openspec-sync
Sync delta specs from a change into main specs using `/opsx:sync`, without archiving the change. Use when the user says "sync specs", "merge specs to main", "/opsx:sync", or needs to update main specs mid-change.
36openspec-schema
Create and manage custom workflow schemas using `openspec schema init/fork/validate/which`. Use when the user says "create a custom workflow", "custom schema", "fork a schema", or wants to define their own artifact types and dependencies.
35openspec-archive
Archive a completed change with `/opsx:archive`, merging delta specs into main specs and preserving the change for history. Use when the user says "archive the change", "finish up", "/opsx:archive", or "mark this change as done".
35openspec-new
Start a new OpenSpec change with `/opsx:new`, creating a change folder with metadata and scaffolding. Use when the user says "start a new change", "new feature", "/opsx:new", or "create an OpenSpec change".
29openspec-ff
Fast-forward through artifact creation with `/opsx:ff`, generating all planning artifacts (proposal, specs, design, tasks) at once. Use when the user says "fast forward", "create all artifacts", "/opsx:ff", or has a clear picture of what to build.
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