| name | sspec-implement |
| description | Execute tasks from tasks.md. Implement code changes, update progress. Use after plan approval. |
| metadata | {"author":"frostime","version":"3.0.0"} |
SSPEC Implement
Core Rules
- Implement → verify → mark done for each task
- Update progress after EACH task — do not batch
- Only modify files relevant to the current task
- Preserve existing code style, comments, and structure
- MUST NOT refactor unrelated code
When to Pause
| Situation | Action |
|---|
| Task is ambiguous | @align for clarification |
| Implementation reveals design issue | See Design Changes During Implementation below |
| Blocker encountered | Record in memory.md, @align user |
| Multiple valid approaches | Pick the simpler one, note in memory |
| Design assumption was wrong | Re-enter Clarify posture: "Design says X but I found Y" → re-sync with user before revising |
Do not guess on blockers. One @align < one rework cycle.
Design Changes During Implementation
Apply this test first:
Can the original spec/design still accurately predict the post-change code?
YES → note in memory, continue | NO → revision required
If revision required:
- Stop — do not implement the deviation silently
@align user: explain the gap, get confirmation
sspec change scaffold revision <change> --title "..." — create revision file
- Fill revision: Reason / Spec Impact / Design Impact / Task Impact
- Update
tasks.md to reflect new work
- Resume implementation
This applies whether the issue was triggered by a user comment or self-discovered.
Keep Changes Focused
- If a task grows but still belongs to the current change → split it, add new tasks to tasks.md
- If the work now belongs in a follow-up or replacement change →
@align user before creating a new change
Memory During Implementation
For long sessions (>30 exchanges or multi-file work):
- Promote durable decisions / constraints to
memory.md Knowledge
- Record session facts and checkpoints in
memory.md Milestones
- Update Key Files as you discover important files
Test: "Would I struggle to continue if context was compressed right now?" → Write to memory.
Exit: @align User
When all tasks are complete:
- Update Progress to 100%
- Summarize what was implemented
- Summarize agent verification results (tests, lint, build, sandbox checks)
- If tasks.md contains
User Check, include the user review recipe: action + expected observable result, mapped to BC-*
@align user: "Implementation complete. Please review."
This is a hard gate. → Transition to sspec-review phase.
→ Status transitions: sspec howto update-change-status