Visual Studio Code’s team, featuring Den Delimarsky, guides viewers through using the Spec Kit project for Spec-Driven Development. The episode explores how executable specifications and AI tools like GitHub Copilot can transform software development workflows.

Introducing Spec Kit for Spec-Driven Development in VS Code

In this episode of ‘Let it Cook,’ Den Delimarsky joins James Montemagno, Burke Holland, and Pierce Boggan to showcase the new Spec Kit project from GitHub. Spec Kit enables Spec-Driven Development, a paradigm where executable specifications generate working code, shifting the focus from disposable docs to actionable blueprints.

What is Spec-Driven Development?

  • Traditional approach: Specifications are drafted and discarded, with coding taking precedence.
  • Spec-Driven Development: Specifications become executable artifacts that directly generate implementations, keeping specs central to the workflow.

Key Features of Spec Kit

  • Executable Specifications: Write specs that produce real working code.
  • Open Source Toolkit: Available on GitHub for community contribution and extension.
  • AI Integration: Use with AI developer tools like GitHub Copilot to boost productivity and align generated code with specification intent.
  • VS Code Friendly: Seamless integration with Visual Studio Code, leveraging modern dev environments.

Demo Highlights

  • Den demonstrates setting up and using Spec Kit in live coding scenarios.
  • Real-time integration with GitHub Copilot for smart code completion and suggestion based on specs.
  • Exploration of runnable specs making software design more interactive and reliable.

Get Started

Contributors and Presenters

  • Den Delimarsky
  • James Montemagno (@JamesMontemagno)
  • Burke Holland (@BurkeHolland)
  • Pierce Boggan (@pierceboggan)

Why Use Spec Kit?

  • Maintains alignment between requirements and implementation
  • Reduces manual coding errors
  • Enhances collaboration and understanding across development teams
  • Leverages AI to automate and validate software delivery

For developers looking to modernize their workflow and harness the power of AI-driven automation and executable specs, Spec Kit is an innovative tool to explore.