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Class hours may vary, please reach out to contact@ascendientlearning.com if you have any questions.
Spec-Driven Development with OpenSpec
Design AI coding around executable specifications instead of free-form prompts. Spec-first philosophy and OpenSpec foundations cover why prompting alone falls short, what changes when specs become...
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$835USD
Duration
1 day
Course Code
AIC-2101
Available Formats
Classroom
Overview
Course Description
Design AI coding around executable specifications instead of free-form prompts. Spec-first philosophy and OpenSpec foundations cover why prompting alone falls short, what changes when specs become the source of truth, and how OpenSpec integrates with existing AI coding agents in the toolchain. Authoring proposals and specifications covers change-scoping proposals, acceptance scenarios that define done, design documents that capture rationale, and the context economics that keep specs right-sized for agent runs. Execution and lifecycle cover decomposing specs into task checklists, orchestrating implementation against the spec, validating output, debugging agent stalls, and archiving completed work. Hands-on labs produce a working OpenSpec project and at least one full proposal-to-archive cycle that exercises the spec-driven workflow end-to-end. The course is designed for senior software developers, AI engineers, and technical leads with introductory experience using an AI coding agent.
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
- Author proposals, specifications, and rationale documents that guide AI agents
- Decompose specs into task checklists and drive implementation with agents
- Manage specifications from proposal through archive
Who Can Benefit
This course is designed for:
- Senior Software Developers
- AI Engineers & Architects
- Technical Leads
Prerequisites
Participants should enter this course with:
- Practical Python experience
- Experience with AI Coding Agents (e.g., AIC-1102 or equivalent)
Organizational Objectives
This course assists organizations to:
- Reduce rework on AI-assisted features by codifying intent in specs before code is written
- Lower agent-run cost by right-sizing context through spec-driven decomposition
- Build a shared engineering vocabulary between humans and agents through structured proposals
- Establish auditable spec-to-code traceability for AI-authored changes
Software
All attendees must have a modern web browser and an Internet connection.
Course Details
Course Details
Module 1 - Foundations & Project Setup
By the end of this module, you will be able to articulate the spec-first philosophy, initialize an OpenSpec project with the right profile, integrate OpenSpec into an existing codebase, and connect it to the AI coding agents your team uses day-to-day.
- The spec-first philosophy and why prompting alone falls short
- OpenSpec overview and tool-agnostic design
- Initializing a project: openspec init and directory structure
- Configuring profiles (basic vs. expanded)
- Integrating OpenSpec with existing codebases
- Connecting to AI agents: Claude, Copilot, Cursor, and more
- Hands-on Lab: Initialize OpenSpec in an existing project and connect it to one AI coding agent so the agent reads from the spec directory.
Module 2 - Proposals & Specifications
By the end of this module, you will be able to scope a change with /opsx:propose, author proposals and acceptance-scenario specs that guide AI agents, write design documents that capture rationale, and organize changes by feature and capability.
- Defining change scope with /opsx:propose
- Writing effective proposals — business case, scope, and constraints
- Authoring specifications and acceptance scenarios
- Design documents: technical approach and rationale
- Context economics: keeping specs right-sized for AI agents
- Organizing changes by feature and capability
- Hands-on Lab: Author a complete OpenSpec proposal and spec for one realistic change, including design rationale and acceptance scenarios.
Module 3 - Execution & Lifecycle
By the end of this module, you will be able to decompose an OpenSpec proposal into a tasks checklist, drive an AI agent through the implementation with /opsx:apply, validate code against the specification, and archive completed work — managing spec drift through the change’s full lifecycle.
- Task decomposition with tasks.md checklists
- Orchestrating implementation with /opsx:apply and resuming with /opsx:continue, /opsx:ff
- Verifying code against specifications
- Debugging agent stalls and hallucinations
- Archiving completed work with /opsx:archive
- Managing spec drift and the continuous specification lifecycle
- Hands-on Lab: Drive one OpenSpec change end-to-end — proposal, tasks, apply, verify, archive — through an AI coding agent.
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
ExitCertified gave me some good trainings and I got to learn through doing labs.
The class covered the concepts needed for the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification.
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.
Good training material and good instruction. More time needs to be provided for the lab work.
ExitCertified provided great learning material and the instructor was great.
