How to write a good spec for AI agents (addyosmani.com)

A new framework for writing effective specifications for AI agents has been introduced, emphasizing the importance of clarity and structure. Developers often struggle with large, unwieldy specs that exceed context limits, leading to ineffective AI outputs. The guide outlines five key principles for creating successful AI specifications, advocating for a high-level vision that allows AI to flesh out details while maintaining the project's direction. It suggests starting with a concise project description and evolving it iteratively, creating a documented reference that serves both developer and AI throughout the coding process. Significantly, this approach encourages a structured format similar to Product Requirement Documents (PRDs), focusing on six core areas: commands, testing, project structure, code style, Git workflow, and boundaries. By embedding these specs into development workflows and treating them as living documents tied to version control, teams can enhance collaboration between human developers and AI agents. This methodology not only mitigates common issues such as context drift and specification ambiguity but also promotes a more productive environment where AI can effectively assist in coding tasks while adhering to set guidelines and user needs.