What happens if I want to start coding after exploring?

Once your ideas are crystallized, you can exit explore mode and transition to an implementation workflow using commands like /opsx:new or /opsx:ff.

Can OpenSpec Explore write application code?

No. It is strictly a thinking partner. It can create or update OpenSpec artifacts like design.md or proposal.md, but it is prohibited from writing or modifying application source code.

Does it use my actual codebase during exploration?

Yes. While it doesn't write code, it can read files and search your codebase to ensure its architectural suggestions and diagrams are grounded in your actual project reality.

How does this differ from standard Claude Code behavior?

Standard Claude Code often jumps straight to implementation. Explore mode changes the AI's 'stance' to be more curious, patient, and visual, focusing on discovery rather than task completion.

OpenSpec Explore Mode

Name: OpenSpec Explore Mode
Author: TomazWang

byTomazWang

0•

Collaboration Tools

Facilitates deep architectural thinking and requirement clarification as an interactive partner before implementation begins.

OpenSpec Explore is a specialized Claude Code skill designed for the critical 'thinking phase' of software development. It transforms Claude into a dedicated brainstorming partner that helps developers investigate complex codebases, map out architectural dependencies using ASCII diagrams, and surface hidden risks without the pressure of immediate implementation. By grounding discussions in existing code while maintaining a strictly non-prescriptive stance, it allows users to solidify designs and update OpenSpec artifacts—such as proposals, designs, and task lists—ensuring a clear roadmap is established before a single line of application code is written.

Key Features

01Seamless integration with OpenSpec artifacts like proposals and design docs

02Interactive codebase investigation and architectural mapping

03Liberal use of ASCII diagrams to visualize system flows and data structures

04Strict 'No-Implementation' guardrail to prevent premature coding during discovery

050 GitHub stars

06Adaptive questioning to surface hidden complexities and project risks

Use Cases

01Comparing technical trade-offs between different database or library options

02Deconstructing and understanding technical debt in complex authentication systems

03Brainstorming the architecture for a new feature like real-time collaboration

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add tomazwang/agent-toolkit openspec-explore

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill