Specsafe New

Create a new SpecSafe specification (NEW → SPEC stage).

When to use:

• Starting a new feature
• Need to define requirements before coding
• Want to establish tech stack and rules upfront

Input: Feature name or brief description

Steps

1. Validate project state

   Check PROJECT_STATE.md exists (run specsafe init if not). Review current active specs to avoid conflicts.

2. Create the spec

   specsafe new "<feature-name>"
   

   This:

   • Generates a new spec file in specs/active/
   • Assigns a unique SPEC-ID (e.g., SPEC-20260211-001)
   • Sets status to SPEC stage
   • Updates PROJECT_STATE.md

3. Initialize PRD structure

   Open the new spec file and populate:

   • Purpose (WHY): One paragraph explaining why this feature exists
   • Scope (WHAT): In scope and out of scope sections
   • Tech Stack: Target frameworks, languages, tools
   • Rules: Coding standards, constraints, conventions

4. Define initial requirements

   Add to Requirements table:

   • Functional requirements (what the system must do)
   • Non-functional requirements (performance, security)
   • Priority levels (P0=must have, P1=should have, P2=nice to have)

5. Show next steps

   Display:

   • Spec file location
   • Current stage (SPEC)
   • Next command: /specsafe:spec <id> to flesh out details

Output

After creation:

• ✅ Spec file created at specs/active/SPEC-YYYYMMDD-NNN-<feature-name>.md
• ✅ Status set to SPEC stage
• ✅ PROJECT_STATE.md updated
• 📋 Prompt: "Edit the spec to add requirements, then run /specsafe:spec <id>"

Guardrails

• Feature name should be descriptive (kebab-case recommended)
• Check for naming conflicts with existing specs
• Tech stack decisions should reference existing project standards
• Never start coding without a spec in SPEC or later stage

Example

User: /specsafe:new "user-authentication"
→ Creates SPEC-20260211-004-user-authentication.md
→ Status: SPEC
→ Next: /specsafe:spec SPEC-20260211-004