Skip to content

Specify CLI Reference (Fork)

This reference covers the specify CLI and the available slash commands after initialization.

CLI Commands

Command Description
init Initialize a new Specify project from templates
check Check for installed tools and agent CLIs
productivity Native productivity cockpit workflows (start, update)

specify init Arguments & Options

Argument/Option Type Description
<project-name> Argument Name for the new project directory (optional if using --here, or use . for current directory)
--ai Option AI assistant to use: claude, gemini, copilot, cursor-agent, qwen, opencode, codex, windsurf, kilocode, auggie, roo, codebuddy, amp, shai, q, bob, or qoder
--script Option Script variant: sh (bash/zsh) or ps (PowerShell)
--template-repo Option Override template repo (owner/name). Defaults to SPECIFY_TEMPLATE_REPO or nsalvacao/spec-kit
--ignore-agent-tools Flag Skip checks for AI agent tools
--no-git Flag Skip git repository initialization
--here Flag Initialize project in current directory instead of creating a new one
--force Flag Force merge/overwrite when initializing in current directory
--skip-tls Flag Skip SSL/TLS verification (not recommended)
--debug Flag Enable debug output for troubleshooting
--github-token Option GitHub token for API requests (or set GH_TOKEN/GITHUB_TOKEN env variable)

Examples

specify init my-project --ai codex
specify init . --here --ai claude
specify init my-project --ai copilot --script ps
specify init my-project --ai gemini --no-git
specify check
specify productivity start
specify productivity start --project-root . --no-browser
specify productivity start --compact --no-server
specify productivity update
specify productivity update --comprehensive --no-github-sync
specify productivity update --apply --yes --external-task "Review launch checklist"

```text

## Template Override (Fork Templates)

To use fork templates explicitly:

```bash
export SPECIFY_TEMPLATE_REPO=nsalvacao/spec-kit
specify init my-project --ai codex

# or per-command
specify init my-project --template-repo nsalvacao/spec-kit --ai codex

Slash Commands (after init)

Strategy (Optional Pre-Phase)

  • /speckit.brainstorm - strategic expansion artifact (feeds IDEATE as context)
  • /speckit.execution-plan - strategic execution roadmap artifact (feeds readiness review)
  • /speckit.strategic-review - strategic readiness scoring and launch-blocker extraction
  • /speckit.ideate - generate ideas backlog (SCAMPER + HMW)
  • /speckit.select - AI-RICE scoring and selection
  • /speckit.structure - AI vision canvas + vision brief
  • /speckit.validate - Gate G0 validation

Core SDD Workflow

  • /speckit.constitution
  • /speckit.specify
  • /speckit.plan
  • /speckit.tasks
  • /speckit.implement

Optional Commands

  • /speckit.clarify
  • /speckit.amend
  • /speckit.analyze
  • /speckit.checklist
  • /speckit.taskstoissues

Environment Variables

Variable Description
SPECIFY_TEMPLATE_REPO Override template source repo (owner/name)
SPECIFY_FEATURE Override feature detection when not using git branches