| name | sdd-init |
| description | Initialize a new SDD spec directory with templates. Creates specs/KNOW-{NNN}-{description}/ with requirements.md, design.md, and tasks.md populated from templates. Auto-assigns the next available ticket number.
|
sdd-init
Purpose
Create a new spec directory for a feature, following the SDD naming convention and populating
it with template files. This is the entry point to the SDD workflow.
When to Use
- Starting work on a new feature that needs a spec
- Beginning a significant refactor that should be documented
- Planning an architectural change that affects multiple packages
When NOT to Use
- Bug fixes, typo corrections, small refactors (no spec needed)
- A spec already exists for the feature (use
/sdd-spec to refine it)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Read specs/README.md to get the next available KNOW number from the "Next Available Number" section
-
Ask the user (if not provided as argument):
- Short title for the feature (will become directory name in kebab-case)
- One-line summary of what the feature does
-
Create the spec directory:
specs/KNOW-{NNN}-{kebab-case-title}/
-
Copy and populate templates from specs/_templates/:
requirements.template.md → requirements.md (replace {TITLE} and {NNN})
design.template.md → design.md (replace {TITLE} and {NNN})
tasks.template.md → tasks.md (replace {TITLE} and {NNN})
-
Update specs/README.md:
- Increment the "Next Available Number"
- Add an entry to the "Spec Index" table with status
draft
-
Report to the user:
- Spec directory path
- Suggest next step:
/sdd-spec KNOW-{NNN} to write the spec content
Arguments
$ARGUMENTS (optional): Feature title. If not provided, ask the user.
Example
User: /sdd-init push-based capture
Result:
Created: specs/KNOW-001-push-based-capture/
├── requirements.md (template)
├── design.md (template)
└── tasks.md (template)
Updated: specs/README.md (index + next number)
Next step: /sdd-spec KNOW-001
Reference Files
specs/README.md — Naming conventions, next available number
specs/_templates/ — Template files to copy
docs/workflows/sdd-overview.md — Full SDD workflow context