openspec-new-change
Start a new OpenSpec change using the experimental artifact workflow. Use when the user wants to create a new feature, fix, or modification with a structured step-by-step approach.
Best use case
openspec-new-change is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Start a new OpenSpec change using the experimental artifact workflow. Use when the user wants to create a new feature, fix, or modification with a structured step-by-step approach.
Teams using openspec-new-change should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.
When to use this skill
- You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.
When not to use this skill
- You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/openspec-new-change/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How openspec-new-change Compares
| Feature / Agent | openspec-new-change | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Start a new OpenSpec change using the experimental artifact workflow. Use when the user wants to create a new feature, fix, or modification with a structured step-by-step approach.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
SKILL.md Source
Start a new change using the experimental artifact-driven approach. **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. 2. **Determine the workflow schema** Use the default schema (omit `--schema`) unless the user explicitly requests a different workflow. **Use a different schema only if the user mentions:** - A specific schema name → use `--schema <name>` - "show workflows" or "what workflows" → run `openspec schemas --json` and let them choose **Otherwise**: Omit `--schema` to use the default. 3. **Create the change directory** ```bash openspec new change "<name>" ``` Add `--schema <name>` only if the user requested a specific workflow. This creates a scaffolded change at `openspec/changes/<name>/` with the selected schema. 4. **Show the artifact status** ```bash openspec status --change "<name>" ``` This shows which artifacts need to be created and which are ready (dependencies satisfied). 5. **Get instructions for the first artifact** The first artifact depends on the schema (e.g., `proposal` for spec-driven). Check the status output to find the first artifact with status "ready". ```bash openspec instructions <first-artifact-id> --change "<name>" ``` This outputs the template and context for creating the first artifact. 6. **STOP and wait for user direction** **Output** After completing the steps, summarize: - Change name and location - Schema/workflow being used and its artifact sequence - Current status (0/N artifacts complete) - The template for the first artifact - Prompt: "Ready to create the first artifact? Just describe what this change is about and I'll draft it, or ask me to continue." **Guardrails** - Do NOT create any artifacts yet - just show the instructions - Do NOT advance beyond showing the first artifact template - If the name is invalid (not kebab-case), ask for a valid name - If a change with that name already exists, suggest continuing that change instead - Pass --schema if using a non-default workflow
Related Skills
openspec-verify-change
Verify implementation matches change artifacts. Use when the user wants to validate that implementation is complete, correct, and coherent before archiving.
openspec-sync-specs
Sync delta specs from a change to main specs. Use when the user wants to update main specs with changes from a delta spec, without archiving the change.
openspec-propose
Propose a new change with all artifacts generated in one step. Use when the user wants to quickly describe what they want to build and get a complete proposal with design, specs, and tasks ready for implementation.
openspec-implementation-loop
Orchestrates an end-to-end implementation loop for a single OpenSpec change: select a change, delegate implementation to a dedicated subagent, run review and verification subagents, feed findings back for fixes, push to origin, and watch GitHub Actions until the branch is green or blocked. Use when the user wants to implement an approved OpenSpec proposal/change with iterative review and CI feedback.
openspec-explore
Enter explore mode - a thinking partner for exploring ideas, investigating problems, and clarifying requirements. Use when the user wants to think through something before or during a change.
openspec-continue-change
Continue working on an OpenSpec change by creating the next artifact. Use when the user wants to progress their change, create the next artifact, or continue their workflow.
openspec-archive-change
Archive a completed change in the experimental workflow. Use when the user wants to finalize and archive a change after implementation is complete.
openspec-apply-change
Implement tasks from an OpenSpec change. Use when the user wants to start implementing, continue implementation, or work through tasks.
sdk-to-pf-migration
Guides migration of Terraform resources from Plugin SDK to Plugin Framework. Use when migrating SDK resources to PF, planning SDK-to-PF migrations, or when the user asks to migrate a resource to the Plugin Framework.
schema-coverage
Analyzes a Terraform resource schema and compares it to attributes used in the acceptance test suite (configs + assertions). Produces a prioritized report of missing and poor coverage (set-only assertions, single-value coverage, missing unset/empty cases, missing update coverage). Use when the user asks about schema coverage, test coverage gaps, or improving Terraform acceptance tests for a resource.
requirements-verification
Analyzes an OpenSpec requirements spec for internal consistency, implementation compliance, and test opportunities; when a shell is available, run openspec validate first for structural checks. Use when reviewing specs, verifying implementation against requirements, or identifying test gaps.
new-entity-requirements
Gathers initial requirements for a new Terraform resource or data source by examining API clients (go-elasticsearch, generated kbapi), Elastic API docs (Elastic docs MCP server and/or web), then interviewing the user for gaps. Produces an OpenSpec proposal (change with proposal, design, tasks, and delta specs)—not a hand-written spec under openspec/specs/ alone. Use when designing a new entity, drafting requirements from an API, or before implementing a new resource/data source.