openspec-apply-change
Implement tasks from an OpenSpec change. Use when the user wants to start implementing, continue implementation, or work through tasks.
Best use case
openspec-apply-change is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Implement tasks from an OpenSpec change. Use when the user wants to start implementing, continue implementation, or work through tasks.
Teams using openspec-apply-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-apply-change/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How openspec-apply-change Compares
| Feature / Agent | openspec-apply-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?
Implement tasks from an OpenSpec change. Use when the user wants to start implementing, continue implementation, or work through tasks.
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
Implement tasks from an OpenSpec change. **Input**: Optionally specify a change name. If omitted, check if it can be inferred from conversation context. If vague or ambiguous you MUST prompt for available changes. **Steps** 1. **Select the change** If a name is provided, use it. Otherwise: - Infer from conversation context if the user mentioned a change - Auto-select if only one active change exists - If ambiguous, run `openspec list --json` to get available changes and use the **AskUserQuestion tool** to let the user select Always announce: "Using change: <name>" and how to override (e.g., `/opsx:apply <other>`). 2. **Check status to understand the schema** ```bash openspec status --change "<name>" --json ``` Parse the JSON to understand: - `schemaName`: The workflow being used (e.g., "spec-driven") - Which artifact contains the tasks (typically "tasks" for spec-driven, check status for others) 3. **Get apply instructions** ```bash openspec instructions apply --change "<name>" --json ``` This returns: - Context file paths (varies by schema - could be proposal/specs/design/tasks or spec/tests/implementation/docs) - Progress (total, complete, remaining) - Task list with status - Dynamic instruction based on current state **Handle states:** - If `state: "blocked"` (missing artifacts): show message, suggest using openspec-continue-change - If `state: "all_done"`: congratulate, suggest archive - Otherwise: proceed to implementation 4. **Read context files** Read the files listed in `contextFiles` from the apply instructions output. The files depend on the schema being used: - **spec-driven**: proposal, specs, design, tasks - Other schemas: follow the contextFiles from CLI output 5. **Show current progress** Display: - Schema being used - Progress: "N/M tasks complete" - Remaining tasks overview - Dynamic instruction from CLI 6. **Implement tasks (loop until done or blocked)** For each pending task: - Show which task is being worked on - Make the code changes required - Keep changes minimal and focused - Mark task complete in the tasks file: `- [ ]` → `- [x]` - Continue to next task **Pause if:** - Task is unclear → ask for clarification - Implementation reveals a design issue → suggest updating artifacts - Error or blocker encountered → report and wait for guidance - User interrupts 7. **On completion or pause, show status** Display: - Tasks completed this session - Overall progress: "N/M tasks complete" - If all done: suggest archive - If paused: explain why and wait for guidance **Output During Implementation** ``` ## Implementing: <change-name> (schema: <schema-name>) Working on task 3/7: <task description> [...implementation happening...] ✓ Task complete Working on task 4/7: <task description> [...implementation happening...] ✓ Task complete ``` **Output On Completion** ``` ## Implementation Complete **Change:** <change-name> **Schema:** <schema-name> **Progress:** 7/7 tasks complete ✓ ### Completed This Session - [x] Task 1 - [x] Task 2 ... All tasks complete! Ready to archive this change. ``` **Output On Pause (Issue Encountered)** ``` ## Implementation Paused **Change:** <change-name> **Schema:** <schema-name> **Progress:** 4/7 tasks complete ### Issue Encountered <description of the issue> **Options:** 1. <option 1> 2. <option 2> 3. Other approach What would you like to do? ``` **Guardrails** - Keep going through tasks until done or blocked - Always read context files before starting (from the apply instructions output) - If task is ambiguous, pause and ask before implementing - If implementation reveals issues, pause and suggest artifact updates - Keep code changes minimal and scoped to each task - Update task checkbox immediately after completing each task - Pause on errors, blockers, or unclear requirements - don't guess - Use contextFiles from CLI output, don't assume specific file names **Fluid Workflow Integration** This skill supports the "actions on a change" model: - **Can be invoked anytime**: Before all artifacts are done (if tasks exist), after partial implementation, interleaved with other actions - **Allows artifact updates**: If implementation reveals design issues, suggest updating artifacts - not phase-locked, work fluidly
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