spec-to-implementation

Spec to Implementation

Transforms specifications into actionable implementation plans with progress tracking. Fetches spec documents, extracts requirements, breaks down into tasks, and manages implementation workflow.

Quick Start

When asked to implement a specification:

1. Find spec: Search Notion to locate specification page
2. Fetch spec: Read specification content
3. Extract requirements: Parse and structure requirements from spec
4. Create plan: Create implementation plan page in Notion
5. Find task database: Search for tasks database
6. Create tasks: Create individual tasks in task database
7. Track progress: Update status as work progresses

Implementation Workflow

Step 1: Find the specification

Search for spec with name or topic. Look for spec title or keyword matches. If not found or ambiguous, ask user for spec URL/ID.

Example searches:

• "User Authentication spec"
• "Payment Integration specification"
• "Mobile App Redesign PRD"

Step 2: Fetch and analyze specification

1. Fetch spec page: Read full content including requirements, design, constraints

2. Parse specification:

   • Identify functional requirements
   • Note non-functional requirements (performance, security, etc.)
   • Extract acceptance criteria
   • Identify dependencies and blockers

Step 3: Create implementation plan

Break down into:

1. Phases/milestones
2. Technical approach
3. Required tasks
4. Effort estimates
5. Risks and mitigations

Step 4: Create implementation plan page

Create in Notion with:

• Title: "Implementation Plan: [Feature Name]"
• Content: Structured plan with phases, tasks, timeline
• Link back to original spec
• Add to appropriate location (project page, database)

Step 5: Find and use task database

1. Search for "Tasks" or "Task Management" database
2. Fetch database schema to understand properties
3. If not found, ask user for database location

Step 6: Create implementation tasks

For each task in plan:

1. Create task in database
2. Set properties: Name, Status (To Do), Priority, Related Tasks
3. Add implementation details in content

Step 7: Track progress

Regular updates:

• Update task status
• Add progress notes (completed, current focus, blockers)
• Update implementation plan with milestone completion
• Link to deliverables (PRs, designs, etc.)

Implementation Plan Structure

• Overview: Brief summary
• Linked Spec: Reference to source document
• Requirements Summary: Key requirements extracted
• Technical Approach: Architecture decisions
• Implementation Phases:
  • Phase goal
  • Tasks checklist
  • Estimated effort
• Dependencies: What needs to happen first
• Risks & Mitigation: Potential issues
• Success Criteria: How to verify completion

Task Breakdown Patterns

Pattern	Use When
By Component	Database, API, frontend, integration, testing
By Feature Slice	Vertical slices (auth flow, data entry, reports)
By Priority	P0 (must have), P1 (important), P2 (nice to have)

Best Practices

1. Always link spec and implementation: Maintain bidirectional references
2. Break down into small tasks: Each completable in 1-2 days
3. Extract clear acceptance criteria: Know when "done" is done
4. Identify dependencies early: Note blockers in plan
5. Update progress regularly: Daily notes for active work
6. Track changes: Document spec updates and their impact
7. Use checklists: Visual progress indicators help everyone
8. Link deliverables: PRs, designs, docs should link back to tasks

Common Issues

Issue	Solution
Can't find spec	Search with name/topic, try broader terms, ask user for URL
Multiple specs found	Ask user which spec to implement
Can't find task database	Search for "Tasks", ask user for location
Spec unclear	Note ambiguities in plan, create clarification tasks
Requirements conflicting	Document conflicts, create decision task
Scope too large	Break into smaller specs/phases