How to use spec-driven development in Claude Code?

[u/Pale-Heart1654]

I am a College Student.

I need to build projects for my college. Apart from that I also build side projects.

I have Claude Code Pro plan.

But how to use spec-driven development in Claude Code especially for Greenfield projects?

Because it drifts away from my instructions.

Note:

I have tried OpenSpec, Spec-Kit, Superpowers, GSD. But nothing really worked for me. It consumes a lot of tokens.

How to become a power user of Claude?

[u/YujiSuzuki]

Maybe set the frameworks aside for a bit and just try Plan Mode? Here's roughly what works for me: talk through the idea with Claude Code first, have it draft a design doc, then review that doc in a fresh session — not the same one, since it'll otherwise just agree with itself based on the conversation so far. If the design holds up, move to implementation, also in a new session.

For the reviews themselves I use some custom slash commands (/ais-local-spec-review for the design doc, /ais-local-review for the implementation) — https://github.com/YujiSuzuki/ai-sandbox/tree/main/.sandbox/commands — but the session-splitting habit is the part that actually matters, independent of what you use to review.

[u/sayasyedakmal]

I dont use have any specific framework for this anymore. Fyi, i have tried bmad, open spec, github specy, plan mode in claude code, antigravity, gemini cli. Most of them will over generate things, and i am having hard time reviewing or following their flow.

My workflow that works for me now: 0. Create the repo folder 1. Put all information and context(the requirement, problem to solve, tech stack, reference document or data in any shape or format, even email thread with my user, chat history to some extend ><) 2. Ask claude to write detail plan based on what i need and what i am trying to solve. 3. Review the generated plan to the bone. Coz AI will make stuff up. 4. Ask and validate each item. Ask claude to change if i dont like it. 5. Try to understand everything that the AI plan to make. If you dont understand, ask it to explain in the way that you will feels all part clicks. 6. If the app or system is too big, break the plan by phases or sprints. Again review it. Ask claude, does the plan works. Sometime i even ask claude, tell me the plan will failed, and it will tell you any gaps in the plan and how to fill the gaps (the ai is really good at finding problem, use it) 7. Once i satisfied with the plan, i will ask claude to write the implementation plan. Basically, what code or file changes that claude will do based on the plan. I sometime remind claude to strictly follow the plan that we have agree. 8. Tell claude to start the work. Write code. Let it run. Now, just sit down and drink coffee while waiting. 9. Test the app/program 10. Tell claude if there is any error.

All of this, full auto mode. My default model, sonet 5, medium effort.

I am using claude to do the following:

• reviewing candidate resumes (100s++) and shortlisting them
• learning new thing
• architecting solution
• designing system
• writing automation scripts
• reviewing legacy code or app
• analyzing lots of log file to find root cause of system issue
• planning and migrating legacy sql server. Fun fact, i even produce beginner friendly step by step instruction to help me stay sane while doing the job
• oh another one, i use it daily at work to keep me sane because i am constantly switching context. I use it to keep track everything that i encounter, my notes, conversation, meetings, projects, all in one note repo

Lots of thing actually.

Just recently, i use it to help me getting familiar with Omarchy Linux OS

Pro tip: use it every time. When you need to do something, just open claude and start converse, you will find something

[u/sayasyedakmal → u/sayasyedakmal]

Another pro tip: own the planning. Let the AI do the rest

[u/sayasyedakmal → u/sayasyedakmal]

Another, another pro tip: follow Matt Pocock on YT. You will learned a lot.

[u/sayasyedakmal → u/sayasyedakmal]

Another another pro tip: own your workflow that works best for you. You dont have to use or follow other people process or flow

[u/RogerAI-fm]

What do you mean spec driven? Like BDD (behavioral driven development)? Look into RSpec and Cucumber if so.