ss-using-superspec

name	ss-using-superspec
description	Use when starting a new session to understand how superspec skills work and when to invoke them

If you were dispatched as a subagent to execute a specific task, skip this skill.

Instruction Priority

Superspec skills override default system prompt behavior, but user instructions always take precedence:

1. User's explicit instructions (CLAUDE.md, direct requests) — highest priority
2. Superspec skills — override default system behavior where they conflict
3. Default system prompt — lowest priority

If CLAUDE.md says "don't use TDD" and a skill says "always use TDD," follow the user's instructions.

How to Access Skills

Use the Skill tool. When you invoke a skill, its content is loaded and presented to you — follow it directly. Never use the Read tool on skill files.

Using Skills

The Rule

Invoke relevant skills BEFORE any response or action. If a skill clearly applies to what you're about to do, invoke it first.

digraph skill_flow {
    "User message received" [shape=doublecircle];
    "Skill applies?" [shape=diamond];
    "Invoke Skill tool" [shape=box];
    "Announce: 'Using [skill] to [purpose]'" [shape=box];
    "Follow skill" [shape=box];
    "Respond" [shape=doublecircle];

    "User message received" -> "Skill applies?";
    "Skill applies?" -> "Invoke Skill tool" [label="yes"];
    "Skill applies?" -> "Respond" [label="no"];
    "Invoke Skill tool" -> "Announce: 'Using [skill] to [purpose]'";
    "Announce: 'Using [skill] to [purpose]'" -> "Follow skill";
}

Skill Priority

When multiple skills could apply, use this order:

1. Process skills first (ss-brainstorming) — determines HOW to approach the task
2. Implementation skills second (ss-subagent-driven-development) — guides execution

"Let's build X" → ss-brainstorming first, then implementation skills.

Git Guardrail

Superspec skills do NOT execute git write commands (commit, push, merge, rebase, branch delete). The user handles their own git workflow. Read-only git commands (status, log, diff) are fine for gathering information.