# Specification System

> Use when authoring rig specs, agent specs, workflow specs, startup/context fragments, operating-mode declarations, or designing the user spec library. Covers the 4 failure modes (spec instantiates topology but not workflow/mode; spec depends on local paths and fails on another host; agents modify specs as one-off files instead of preserving reusable intent; validation proves YAML shape but not whether topology can run) and the validation-vs-runtime-realization distinction.

- Skill: `mvschwarz/specification-system` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add mvschwarz/specification-system`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/mvschwarz/specification-system/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: mvschwarz (https://skillmd.com/u/mvschwarz)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/mvschwarz/specification-system

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# Specification System

The declarative primitive family for OpenRig intent: **rig specs, agent
specs, workflow specs, startup/context fragments, operating-mode
declarations, and the user spec library that stores and reuses them.**

Specs are how humans and agents describe **repeatable topology and
behavior** without re-explaining it in chat. They are also shareable
artifacts: a user should be able to publish a spec or spec family so
another user can instantiate the same rig shape, role structure, or
workflow pattern.

**Without a dependable spec primitive, OpenRig depends on manual
startup prompts and tribal memory.** That blocks repeatability, product
demos, rig bundles, and autonomous rig construction.

## Use this when

- Authoring a RigSpec / AgentSpec / workflow spec
- Designing a startup/context fragment
- Reasoning about spec-library lifecycle (validation, sharing, upgrade semantics)
- Auditing a spec for portability (does it run on another host?)
- Distinguishing spec vs bundle vs extension cleanly

## Don't use this when

- The work is one-off and won't be reused. Manual rig assembly is fine for one-shot work.
- The intent is to package a topology + workflow as a shareable artifact. That's `rig-bundles-and-shareable-artifacts`.
- The intent is to add runtime behavior. That's `extension-and-user-workspace`.

## Failure modes (4)

1. **A spec can instantiate a topology but not the workflow or operating mode needed to use it.** Topology is necessary but not sufficient — workflow and operating mode must be declared too.
2. **A shared spec depends on local paths or hidden startup fragments and fails on another host.** Specs must be self-describing for portability.
3. **Agents modify specs as one-off files instead of preserving reusable user/library intent.** Specs are reusable; treating each instance as one-off destroys the primitive's value.
4. **Validation proves YAML shape but not whether the declared topology can actually run.** Structural validation is not enough; runtime realization is the real proof.

## Proof standard

Proof should:

1. Author a spec
2. Validate it (structural)
3. Install it (into spec library)
4. Instantiate it on a **clean OpenRig environment**
5. Show **both structural validation AND runtime realization**

Validation alone is insufficient.

## Spec / bundle / extension boundary

| Concept | Declares | Example |
|---|---|---|
| **Spec** | Topology / role / workflow shape (declarative intent) | `rig.yaml`, `agent.yaml`, `workflow.yaml` |
| **Bundle** | Spec(s) + supporting fragments packaged for shareable instantiation | A Velocity Team bundle |
| **Extension** | Runtime behavior added to user workspace | RigX command, custom view |

Don't conflate them. The contract should distinguish spec, bundle, and
extension cleanly.

## Currently shipped surfaces

OpenRig already has:

- RigSpec / AgentSpec authoring (`agent.yaml`, `rig.yaml` formats; see `openrig-architect` skill)
- Workflow specs (markdown/YAML files, daemon read-through cache via `workflow_specs` table; see `workflow-runtime` skill)
- Bundle/spec command surface (`rig bundle / spec / agent / specs ls/show/preview/add/sync/remove/rename`)
- Spec library (filesystem-backed at `packages/daemon/specs/` + `~/.openrig/specs/` per cli-reference.md)

Not yet shipped:
- Spec library lifecycle (validation, sharing, upgrade) treated as a first-class primitive
- Cross-host spec sharing
- Marketplace / public registry

## See also

- `openrig-architect` skill — RigSpec / AgentSpec authoring discipline
- `workflow-runtime` skill — workflow spec authoring + transactional-scribe contract
- `rig-bundles-and-shareable-artifacts` skill — bundle is the packaged form of specs
- `extension-and-user-workspace` skill — extensions add runtime behavior; specs declare intent
- `openrig/docs/reference/rig-spec.md` (product reference doc) — RigSpec format specification
- `openrig/docs/reference/agent-spec.md` (product reference doc) — AgentSpec format specification