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OpenSpec Workflows

Overview​

OpenSpec is integrated into Aileron as a built-in workspace capability, not just a side command or an external documentation flow. It brings proposal writing, design capture, task breakdown, and implementation progress into the same workspace workflow.

In Aileron, OpenSpec means:

  • browsing openspec/ documents directly inside the workspace
  • launching workflow actions from the chat composer
  • relying on a built-in OpenSpec CLI foundation inside the runtime

Built-In Capabilities​

OpenSpec Browser​

The OpenSpec section in the workspace sidebar reads the project's openspec/ tree directly and helps you navigate:

  • proposal.md
  • design.md
  • tasks.md
  • each capability's spec.md

This turns OpenSpec from a loose set of Markdown files into a first-class workspace surface with navigation, status, and context.

OpenSpec Actions​

The chat composer includes an OpenSpec Actions entry point that inserts workflow drafts for the next step, such as:

  • propose
  • explore
  • apply
  • archive
  • continue
  • verify

These actions are modeled as workflow-aware actions with grouping, availability, and recommendation states rather than as generic slash commands.

Runtime CLI Foundation​

workspace-runtime includes the OpenSpec CLI directly so every workspace can execute OpenSpec workflows in a consistent environment without requiring additional project-level installation steps.

Why It Matters​

OpenSpec in Aileron is not just about making the docs visible. It connects the full workflow:

  1. inspect the current change and spec state
  2. understand whether the next step is propose, explore, apply, or archive
  3. launch that action directly from the chat composer
  4. continue editing and tracking the work inside the workspace

Current Status​

OpenSpec is already a built-in capability with workspace navigation, chat composer actions, and runtime CLI integration. Recommendation logic, state awareness, and richer workflow behaviors will keep improving over time.

Roadmap​

  • improve change-aware and profile-aware recommendations
  • expand workflow consistency across more actions
  • integrate more naturally with multi-agent workflows
  • connect more deeply with team collaboration and worktree-oriented development flows