When does class start/end?
Class hours may vary, please reach out to contact@ascendientlearning.com if you have any questions.
Spec-Driven Development with OpenSpec
AI coding agents work better when they have clear instructions. OpenSpec is a tool-agnostic framework for new and existing projects that helps teams write structured, machine-readable specifications...
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$835 USD
Duration
1 day
Course Code
AIC-2101
Available Formats
Classroom
Overview
Course Description
AI coding agents work better when they have clear instructions. OpenSpec is a tool-agnostic framework for new and existing projects that helps teams write structured, machine-readable specifications that guide AI agents through the software development lifecycle.
This OpenSpec course introduces Spec-Driven Development (SDD) using the OpenSpec framework, where executable specifications (not chat prompts) are the source of truth for what gets built.
Learners master how to write proposals, specifications, and technical designs that drive implementation with AI agents, while managing the lifecycle of specifications from proposal to archive. Through hands-on labs, learners apply the spec-first philosophy to real-world development scenarios, ensuring their AI-assisted projects are grounded in clear, actionable specifications.
Skills Gained
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Apply the spec-first philosophy to AI-assisted development
- Initialize and configure OpenSpec projects and profiles
- Write proposals, specifications, and designs that guide AI agents
- Decompose specs into tasks and drive implementation with agents
- Manage specifications from proposal through archive
Who Can Benefit
- Senior Software Developers
- AI Engineers & Architects
- Technical Leads
Prerequisites
- Practical Python or JavaScript/TypeScript experience
- Experience with AI Coding Agents (e.g., AIC-1102 Foundations of AI Coding Agents with GitHub Copilot or equivalent)
Software
All attendees must have a modern web browser and an Internet connection.
Course Details
Course Details
Spec-Driven Development with OpenSpec
- Welcome
- Who This Course Is For
- What You Will Build
- Course Arc
- Lecture and Lab Rhythm
- What You Need Today
- How to Get the Most from Today
- Let’s Get Started
Foundations & First Cycle
- The "Vibe Coding" Problem
- What Happens Without Specifications
- What Is Spec-Driven Development?
- Prompt-Only vs. Spec-Driven
- OpenSpec: Specs as Behavior Contracts
- Core OpenSpec Workflow
- What OpenSpec Creates
- OpenSpec Directory Structure
- When SDD Is Worth the Overhead
- Context Hygiene
Exploring, Proposing & Specifying
- When Scope Is Unclear: The Explore Step
- Anatomy of a Good Proposal
- Feeding Context into /opsx:propose
- Requirements: MUST, SHOULD, MAY
- Scenarios: Testable Behavior Contracts
- Delta Spec Format
- What to Specify: Behavior, Not Implementation
- Reviewing AI-Generated Artifacts
Implementation Patterns & Debugging
- How /opsx:apply Works
- What to Watch During Apply
- When Changes Depend on Prior Work
- Referencing Existing Specs in New Proposals
- The Most Common "Bug" in Spec-Driven Development
- Worked Example: The Tax Problem
- Debugging Strategy: Trace Back to the Spec
Expanded Workflow & Spec Lifecycle
- When the Core Workflow Is Not Enough
- Write the Prompt Yourself
- Expanded Profile
- Review Gates: What to Look For
- /opsx:verify?—?Validate Against Specs
- Spec Suite Over Time
- Spec Drift
Real-World Patterns & Spec Management
- When Existing Behavior Changes
- Where MODIFIED and REMOVED Go
- ADDED, MODIFIED, REMOVED Together
- Writing Specs by Hand
- What Makes a Hand-Written Spec Effective
Schedule
FAQ
Does the course schedule include a Lunchbreak?
Classes typically include a 1-hour lunch break around midday. However, the exact break times and duration can vary depending on the specific class. Your instructor will provide detailed information at the start of the course.
What languages are used to deliver training?
Most courses are conducted in English, unless otherwise specified. Some courses will have the word "FRENCH" marked in red beside the scheduled date(s) indicating the language of instruction.
What does GTR stand for?
GTR stands for Guaranteed to Run; if you see a course with this status, it means this event is confirmed to run. View our GTR page to see our full list of Guaranteed to Run courses.
How do I find an Ascendient Learning training location?
We have training locations across the United States and Canada - View a complete list of classroom training locations.
Which delivery formats are available?
At Ascendient Learning, we offer training that is Instructor-Led, Online, Virtual, and Self-Paced.
Does Ascendient Learning deliver group training?
Yes, we provide training for groups, individuals and private on sites. View our group training page for more information.
What does vendor-authorized training mean?
As a vendor-authorized training partner, we offer a curriculum that our partners have vetted. We use the same course materials and facilitate the same labs as our vendor-delivered training. These courses are considered the gold standard and, as such, are priced accordingly.
Is the training too basic, or will you go deep into technology?
It depends on your requirements, your role in your company, and your depth of knowledge. The good news about many of our learning paths, you can start from the fundamentals to highly specialized training.
How up-to-date are your courses and support materials?
We continuously work with our vendors to evaluate and refresh course material to reflect the latest training courses and best practices.
Are your instructors seasoned trainers who have deep knowledge of the training topic?
Ascendient Learning instructors have an average of 27 years of practical IT experience and have also served as consultants for an average of 15 years. To stay current, instructors spend at least 25 percent of their time learning new, emerging technologies and courses.
Do you provide hands-on training and exercises in an actual lab environment?
Lab access is dependent on the vendor and the type of training you sign up for. However, many of our top vendors will provide lab access to students to test and practice. The course description will specify lab access.
Will you customize the training for our company’s specific needs and goals?
We will work with you to identify training needs and areas of growth. We offer a variety of training methods, such as private group training, on-site of your choice, and virtually. We provide courses and certifications that are aligned with your business goals.
How do I get started with certification?
Getting started on a certification pathway depends on your goals and the vendor you choose to get certified in. Many vendors offer entry-level IT certification to advanced IT certification that can boost your career. To get access to certification vouchers and discounts, please contact info@ascendientlearning.com.
Will I get access to content after I complete a course?
You will get access to the PDF of course books and guides, but access to the recording and slides will depend on the vendor and type of training you receive.
How do I request a W9 for Ascendient Learning?
View our filing status and how to request a W9.
Reviews
Great company -- easy to sign up and very organized. Loved my teacher and class overall.
Course was thorough and gave a very solid grounding in the tools advertised.
Easy to work with. Learning material pdfs were able to be printed out in color which was very nice to write on.
the interface was super easy to use and the instructions to get ready for the course was also very simple and easy to understand.
Labs and the study materials provided for Architecting on AWS course are very easy to understand and explains all the topics required to pass the Associate certification.
