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github/awesome-copilot/skills/update-specification/SKILL.md

update-specification

Update an existing specification file for the solution, optimized for Generative AI consumption based on new requirements or updates to any existing code.

Source repository stars
37,126
Declared platforms
0
Static risk flags
1
Last source update
2026-07-28
Source checked
2026-07-28

Decision brief

What it does—and where it fits

Your goal is to update the existing specification file ${file} based on new requirements or updates to any existing code.

Best for

    Not for

    • Tasks that require unconfirmed production actions or broad system permissions.
    • Environments where the pinned source and install steps cannot be inspected.

    Compatibility matrix

    Platform support, with evidence labels

    PlatformStatusEvidenceWhat to check
    CodexNot declaredNo explicit evidencePortability before use
    Claude CodeNot declaredNo explicit evidencePortability before use
    CursorNot declaredNo explicit evidencePortability before use
    Gemini CLINot declaredNo explicit evidencePortability before use
    Open the compatibility checker

    Installation

    Inspect first. Install second.

    The source command is displayed only when detected. A safe inspection prompt is always available so your agent can explain every action before execution.

    Source-detected install commandSource
    npx skills add https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot --skill "skills/update-specification"
    Safe inspection promptEditorial

    Inspect the Agent Skill "update-specification" from https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot/blob/9933dcad5be5caeb288cebcd370eeeb2fc2f1685/skills/update-specification/SKILL.md at commit 9933dcad5be5caeb288cebcd370eeeb2fc2f1685. List every install step, command, network request, credential, file read/write, external action, and rollback step. Explain whether it fits my task. Do not install or execute anything until I approve.

    Workflow

    What the source asks the agent to do

    1. 01

      Best Practices for AI-Ready Specifications

      The specification should be saved in the /spec/ directory and named according to the following convention: [a-z0-9-]+.md, where the name should be descriptive of the specification's content and starting with the highlevel purpose, which is one of [schema, tool, data, infrastruct…

      Use precise, explicit, and unambiguous language.Clearly distinguish between requirements, constraints, and recommendations.Use structured formatting (headings, lists, tables) for easy parsing.
    2. 02

      1. Purpose & Scope

      [Provide a clear, concise description of the specification's purpose and the scope of its application. State the intended audience and any assumptions.]

      [Provide a clear, concise description of the specification's purpose and the scope of its application. State the intended audience and any assumptions.]
    3. 03

      2. Definitions

      [List and define all acronyms, abbreviations, and domain-specific terms used in this specification.]

      [List and define all acronyms, abbreviations, and domain-specific terms used in this specification.]
    4. 04

      3. Requirements, Constraints & Guidelines

      [Explicitly list all requirements, constraints, rules, and guidelines. Use bullet points or tables for clarity.]

      REQ-001: Requirement 1SEC-001: Security Requirement 1[3 LETTERS]-001: Other Requirement 1
    5. 05

      4. Interfaces & Data Contracts

      [Describe the interfaces, APIs, data contracts, or integration points. Use tables or code blocks for schemas and examples.]

      [Describe the interfaces, APIs, data contracts, or integration points. Use tables or code blocks for schemas and examples.]

    Permission review

    Static risk signals and limitations

    Writes files

    medium · line 3

    The documentation asks the agent to create, modify, or delete local files.

    Your goal is to update the existing specification file `${file}` based on new requirements or updates to any existing code.

    Evidence record

    Why each signal appears

    EvidenceSourceComputedTestedEditorial
    SignalValueEvidence typeMeaning
    Quality score79/100ComputedDocumentation, specificity, maintenance, and trust rules
    Repository stars37,126SourceRepository attention, not individual Skill quality
    Compatibility0 platformsSourceDeclared in the catalog source record
    Usage guideautomated source guideEditorialGenerated or reviewed according to the visible evidence level

    Pinned source

    Provenance and original SKILL.md

    Repository
    github/awesome-copilot
    Skill path
    skills/update-specification/SKILL.md
    Commit
    9933dcad5be5caeb288cebcd370eeeb2fc2f1685
    License
    MIT
    Collected
    2026-07-28
    Default branch
    main
    View the original SKILL.md

    Update Specification

    Your goal is to update the existing specification file ${file} based on new requirements or updates to any existing code.

    The specification file must define the requirements, constraints, and interfaces for the solution components in a manner that is clear, unambiguous, and structured for effective use by Generative AIs. Follow established documentation standards and ensure the content is machine-readable and self-contained.

    Best Practices for AI-Ready Specifications

    • Use precise, explicit, and unambiguous language.
    • Clearly distinguish between requirements, constraints, and recommendations.
    • Use structured formatting (headings, lists, tables) for easy parsing.
    • Avoid idioms, metaphors, or context-dependent references.
    • Define all acronyms and domain-specific terms.
    • Include examples and edge cases where applicable.
    • Ensure the document is self-contained and does not rely on external context.

    The specification should be saved in the /spec/ directory and named according to the following convention: [a-z0-9-]+.md, where the name should be descriptive of the specification's content and starting with the highlevel purpose, which is one of [schema, tool, data, infrastructure, process, architecture, or design].

    The specification file must be formatted in well formed Markdown.

    Specification files must follow the template below, ensuring that all sections are filled out appropriately. The front matter for the markdown should be structured correctly as per the example following:

    ---
    title: [Concise Title Describing the Specification's Focus]
    version: [Optional: e.g., 1.0, Date]
    date_created: [YYYY-MM-DD]
    last_updated: [Optional: YYYY-MM-DD]
    owner: [Optional: Team/Individual responsible for this spec]
    tags: [Optional: List of relevant tags or categories, e.g., `infrastructure`, `process`, `design`, `app` etc]
    ---
    
    # Introduction
    
    [A short concise introduction to the specification and the goal it is intended to achieve.]
    
    ## 1. Purpose & Scope
    
    [Provide a clear, concise description of the specification's purpose and the scope of its application. State the intended audience and any assumptions.]
    
    ## 2. Definitions
    
    [List and define all acronyms, abbreviations, and domain-specific terms used in this specification.]
    
    ## 3. Requirements, Constraints & Guidelines
    
    [Explicitly list all requirements, constraints, rules, and guidelines. Use bullet points or tables for clarity.]
    
    - **REQ-001**: Requirement 1
    - **SEC-001**: Security Requirement 1
    - **[3 LETTERS]-001**: Other Requirement 1
    - **CON-001**: Constraint 1
    - **GUD-001**: Guideline 1
    - **PAT-001**: Pattern to follow 1
    
    ## 4. Interfaces & Data Contracts
    
    [Describe the interfaces, APIs, data contracts, or integration points. Use tables or code blocks for schemas and examples.]
    
    ## 5. Acceptance Criteria
    
    [Define clear, testable acceptance criteria for each requirement using Given-When-Then format where appropriate.]
    
    - **AC-001**: Given [context], When [action], Then [expected outcome]
    - **AC-002**: The system shall [specific behavior] when [condition]
    - **AC-003**: [Additional acceptance criteria as needed]
    
    ## 6. Test Automation Strategy
    
    [Define the testing approach, frameworks, and automation requirements.]
    
    - **Test Levels**: Unit, Integration, End-to-End
    - **Frameworks**: MSTest, FluentAssertions, Moq (for .NET applications)
    - **Test Data Management**: [approach for test data creation and cleanup]
    - **CI/CD Integration**: [automated testing in GitHub Actions pipelines]
    - **Coverage Requirements**: [minimum code coverage thresholds]
    - **Performance Testing**: [approach for load and performance testing]
    
    ## 7. Rationale & Context
    
    [Explain the reasoning behind the requirements, constraints, and guidelines. Provide context for design decisions.]
    
    ## 8. Dependencies & External Integrations
    
    [Define the external systems, services, and architectural dependencies required for this specification. Focus on **what** is needed rather than **how** it's implemented. Avoid specific package or library versions unless they represent architectural constraints.]
    
    ### External Systems
    - **EXT-001**: [External system name] - [Purpose and integration type]
    
    ### Third-Party Services
    - **SVC-001**: [Service name] - [Required capabilities and SLA requirements]
    
    ### Infrastructure Dependencies
    - **INF-001**: [Infrastructure component] - [Requirements and constraints]
    
    ### Data Dependencies
    - **DAT-001**: [External data source] - [Format, frequency, and access requirements]
    
    ### Technology Platform Dependencies
    - **PLT-001**: [Platform/runtime requirement] - [Version constraints and rationale]
    
    ### Compliance Dependencies
    - **COM-001**: [Regulatory or compliance requirement] - [Impact on implementation]
    
    **Note**: This section should focus on architectural and business dependencies, not specific package implementations. For example, specify "OAuth 2.0 authentication library" rather than "Microsoft.AspNetCore.Authentication.JwtBearer v6.0.1".
    
    ## 9. Examples & Edge Cases
    
    ```code
    // Code snippet or data example demonstrating the correct application of the guidelines, including edge cases
    

    10. Validation Criteria

    [List the criteria or tests that must be satisfied for compliance with this specification.]

    11. Related Specifications / Further Reading

    [Link to related spec 1] [Link to relevant external documentation]

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