| name | openspec-tasks |
| description | Create an implementation task checklist for a change using the openspec CLI. Trigger: When the orchestrator or user needs tasks created or updated for a change.
|
| license | MIT |
| compatibility | Requires openspec CLI. |
| metadata | {"author":"gentleman-programming","version":"2.0"} |
Purpose
Break down a change into concrete, actionable implementation tasks. Tasks are what the apply phase works through — each task should be completable in one focused session.
Steps
-
Get instructions from the CLI
openspec instructions tasks --change "<name>" --json
Parse outputPath, template, instruction, context, rules, and dependencies.
-
Read dependencies
Read any files listed in dependencies (typically the proposal, specs, and design).
-
Write the tasks
Use template as the structure. Follow instruction for content guidance.
Apply context and rules as constraints — do NOT copy them into the file.
-
Verify
openspec status --change "<name>" --json
Confirm the tasks artifact shows status: "done".
Output Format
# Tasks: <Change Name>
## Phase 1: <Phase Name>
- [ ] 1.1 <Specific, actionable task>
- [ ] 1.2 <Specific, actionable task>
- [ ] 1.3 <Specific, actionable task>
## Phase 2: <Phase Name>
- [ ] 2.1 <Specific, actionable task>
- [ ] 2.2 <Specific, actionable task>
Rules
- Each task must be concrete and completable (not "implement auth" — too broad)
- Group by logical phase (infrastructure, core logic, UI, tests)
- Use hierarchical numbering (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2)
- Tasks are checked off during apply:
- [ ] becomes - [x]
- Apply any
rules.tasks from openspec/config.yaml