NewsletterSubmit a tool

AI tool

spec-first

spec-first guides AI coding agents through reviewed specs, isolated worktrees and gated commits before pull requests open.

What spec-first does

It has an agent write a spec for a feature before any code is built. A separate reviewer agent checks the spec against the existing code. Commits only go through when build and tests pass, then a pull request is opened.

Built for

  • Developers working with AI coding agents

Key features

  • Writes specs with goal, facts, steps and done criteria
  • Checks that cited files and lines exist
  • Fresh agent reviews spec against the code
  • One branch and worktree per spec
  • Commit gate runs build and tests before committing
  • Logs design decisions to decisions files
  • Series of specs delivered as one pull request

Pros

Pros

  • Records the reasons behind design choices alongside the code.
  • Works with several AI coding agents through shared repository files.

Where spec-first is listed

spec-first is listed under AI coding agents in AI coding tools.

See MCP servers for coding and Claude skills for coding.

Code reviewCode documentation

spec-first alternatives

Compare all 5

Claude Code

Edits code files and runs commands

Claude Code is an agentic coding tool that edits files, runs commands and turns issues into pull requests, covering the AI coding agent job that spec-first guides.

Paid plans: see official pricing

GitHub Copilot

Helps write code and run tasks

GitHub Copilot is an AI coding agent that works in the editor, on the command line and on GitHub, and can run assigned tasks in the background.

Free plan · Paid from $10/user/mo

Cursor

Turns ideas into code for teams

Cursor is an AI coding agent that turns ideas into code and takes on handed-off tasks, running in the terminal and Slack and reviewing pull requests on GitHub.

Paid plans: see official pricing

OpenHands

Plans and applies code changes

OpenHands is an open source platform that runs autonomous agents to plan, write and apply code changes across codebases.

Free plan · Paid plans: see official pricing

Devin

Builds and delivers pull requests

Devin is an autonomous coding agent that builds, tests and delivers pull requests in the cloud or on your machine.

Free plan · Paid plans: see official pricing