Feature Specification: SDD Commands Implementation

Overview

Implement the three core SDD commands (/specify, /plan, /tasks) as Cursor IDE commands to enable structured software development workflow.

Problem Statement

What problem are we solving?

• Developers often jump straight into coding without proper planning
• Requirements are unclear or incomplete, leading to scope creep
• Teams lack structured approach to feature development
• Documentation is often an afterthought, not integrated into workflow

Who are the affected users?

• Software developers using Cursor IDE
• Development teams working on collaborative projects
• Project managers needing visibility into development progress
• Technical leads requiring structured development processes

Why is this important?

• Reduces development time through better planning
• Improves code quality through structured approach
• Enhances team collaboration and communication
• Ensures alignment between requirements and implementation

Requirements

Functional Requirements

• **FR-001**: `/specify` command creates detailed feature specifications
• **Acceptance Criteria**:
• Command accepts feature name and description
• Generates spec.md with requirements, user stories, acceptance criteria
• Creates organized directory structure for feature
• Validates input and provides helpful error messages

• **FR-002**: `/plan` command generates technical implementation plans
• **Acceptance Criteria**:
• Reads existing specification file
• Creates comprehensive technical plan with architecture
• Includes technology stack recommendations
• Considers security and performance requirements

• **FR-003**: `/tasks` command breaks down plans into actionable tasks
• **Acceptance Criteria**:
• Reads existing plan and specification files
• Creates discrete, manageable development tasks
• Includes effort estimates and dependencies
• Defines clear success criteria for each task

• **FR-004**: Template system for consistent documentation
• **Acceptance Criteria**:
• Supports customizable templates for each document type
• Processes variables and conditional content
• Maintains consistent formatting and structure
• Allows template modifications and extensions

Non-Functional Requirements

• **Performance**: Commands should execute within 2 seconds
• **Usability**: Clear error messages and usage guidance
• **Maintainability**: Modular code structure with separation of concerns
• **Extensibility**: Easy to add new commands and templates

User Stories

US-001: Create Feature Specification

**As a** developer **I want** to use `/specify` command with feature description **So that** I can create comprehensive requirements before coding

**Acceptance Criteria:**

• Command creates new feature directory with unique numbering
• Generates spec.md with structured requirements template
• Prompts for additional details if description is incomplete
• Updates project index with new feature

**Priority:** High **Effort:** Medium

US-002: Generate Technical Plan

**As a** developer **I want** to use `/plan` command on existing specification **So that** I can create detailed technical implementation strategy

**Acceptance Criteria:**

• Command requires existing spec.md file
• Generates plan.md with architecture and technology decisions
• Considers existing project constraints and patterns
• Provides technology stack recommendations with justifications

**Priority:** High **Effort:** Medium

US-003: Create Implementation Tasks

**As a** developer **I want** to use `/tasks` command on existing plan **So that** I can break down work into manageable development tasks

**Acceptance Criteria:**

• Command requires existing plan.md file
• Generates tasks.md with prioritized task breakdown
• Includes effort estimates and dependencies
• Creates progress tracking template

**Priority:** High **Effort:** Medium

US-004: Progress Tracking

**As a** project manager **I want** to see development progress for each feature **So that** I can track project status and identify blockers

**Acceptance Criteria:**

• Each feature has progress.md file with current status
• Index page shows overview of all features and their status
• Status updates are easy to maintain and accurate
• Clear visibility into completed vs remaining work

**Priority:** Medium **Effort:** Small

Success Metrics

• Reduction in development time by 20% through better planning
• Increase in code quality (measured by reduced bugs/rework)
• Improved team collaboration (measured by developer feedback)
• Higher completion rate of features within original scope

Edge Cases & Error Scenarios

• **Invalid feature name**: Provide clear naming guidelines
• **Missing dependencies**: Check for required files before execution
• **Duplicate feature names**: Warn user and suggest alternatives
• **Corrupted templates**: Validate template files and provide defaults
• **Permission issues**: Clear error messages for file system problems

Dependencies

• Cursor IDE command system
• File system access for creating/reading files
• Template processing engine
• Project directory structure conventions

Assumptions

• Users have Cursor IDE installed and configured
• Project follows standard directory structures
• Developers are familiar with markdown format
• Git version control is used for tracking changes

Out of Scope

• Integration with external project management tools (phase 2)
• Advanced template IDE features (phase 2)
• Multi-language template support (phase 2)
• Real-time collaboration features (phase 2)

Review Checklist

• [x] Requirements are clear and testable
• [x] User stories follow INVEST criteria
• [x] Acceptance criteria are specific and measurable
• [x] Edge cases are identified and addressed
• [x] Dependencies are documented
• [x] Success metrics are defined
• [ ] Stakeholder review completed

--- **Created:** 2024-09-19 **Last Updated:** 2024-09-19 **Status:** draft **Assignee:** Development Team **Reviewer:** Technical Lead