BMAD-METHOD

BMAD-METHOD is an agile methodology for AI-driven development (Ai Driven Development, AiDD), whose goal is to transform an idea or change request into working software while not giving up the thinking process. AiDD covers not only code, but also what to build, how the parts work together, and how to adjust as understanding updates. The BMad Method achieves this in an agile way: decisions remain explicit, context is passed forward, and the process scales with the amount of work. Small changes can go directly into building, while complex work gets the planning depth it needs; the same methodology applies both to weekend prototypes and to systems with years of history. Users can start at any point, and can either use BMad end to end or bring its briefs, specifications, and architecture into an existing delivery process.

Main capabilities and features:

• Scale-appropriate process: for clear changes, go directly into implementation; for larger plans, add deeper planning.
• Support for new and existing codebases: you can start from scratch, or establish verified context on an inherited codebase and work based on the code that actually exists.
• Persistent context: pass product and technical decisions forward instead of re-explaining them in every chat.
• Specialized perspectives: bring in product, architecture, UX, development, and testing expertise when needed.
• Guided collaboration: use structured workflows and multi-agent discussions, but do not hand over judgment.
• A single delivery path: from early thinking to reviewed implementation, correction, and learning.

Versions and installation: BMad has two release lines. The stable version is v6.12, installed via the npm installer, and is frozen except for bug fixes. v7 is a preview alpha version, located on the current branch, and its skills, installation paths, and documentation change frequently; the official release of v7 is expected on October 16, 2026, or possibly earlier. Both routes require uv for BMad setup and Python scripts.

Stable version v6.12 (recommended when stability is needed before the final release of v7): Requires Node.js 20.12+ and Python 3.10+, and run the installation command in the project (the specific command text is not provided in the materials). After installation, open the project in an AI coding tool, call bmad-build and explain what you want to change, and run bmad-help at any time to get guidance on the next step. The source code and documentation for v6.12 are located in the V6.12 branch.

V7 Preview Alpha (recommended for those who canadjustable to changes for individuals or small teams): Breaking changes may occur between updates. Requires an AI coding tool that supports skills.

• Skills CLI: With Node.js, npm, and Git available, run npx skills-related commands in the project (the complete command text is not provided in the materials). Select the desired skills and coding tool. Include bmad for setup and help, as well as the module records for the module each selected skill belongs to: bmod-method and bmod-core-tools. If installing by name, they can be listed together: npx skills add bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD --skill bmad --skill bmod-core-tools --skill bmod-method --skill bmad-build.
• Claude Code plugin: Add the marketplace within Claude Code (the specific command text is not provided in the materials).
• Codex plugin: Add the marketplace from the terminal (the specific command text is not provided in the materials). For either marketplace, install bmad-method to get the delivery workflow, and install bmad-core-tools to get standalone skills, including bmad hub.

Usage: Open the coding tool in the project and let the bmad skill run bmad setup. Then invoke bmad-build and explain what you want to change. When you need guidance on the next step or want to know what is optional, ask bmad. Ask bmad status to check the version and see what to run next. Ask bmad setup to install updates: it runs npx skills update, then refreshes the project and cleans up renamed and removed skills. When using the plugin marketplace, first update in the marketplace, then ask bmad setup. Preview issues can be reported in GitHub Issues or Discord.

Applicable scenarios:

• Building the first project from scratch.
• Adding BMad to an existing codebase.
• Needing to determine how much planning a change requires.
• Installing the core method or adding official modules for specialized work.

Limitations and notes:

• The v7 preview alpha is expected to have breaking changes between updates, and skills, installation paths, and documentation change frequently.
• Stable v6.12 is frozen except for bug fixes.
• Both tracks require uv for BMad setup and Python scripts.
• v7 requires an AI coding tool that supports skills.
• The specific text of some installation commands is not provided in the materials; refer to the official repository documentation for actual use.

License and community: BMad is free and open source, with no paywalled workflows or closed community, and uses the MIT License. BMad and BMAD-METHOD are trademarks of BMad Code, LLC. You can get help, share ideas, and collaborate via Discord, watch tutorials and masterclasses on YouTube, report bugs and request features in GitHub Issues, and participate in longer-term community conversations in GitHub Discussions. Please read CONTRIBUTING.md before contributing.