WhySpec

WhySpec is a framework that helps capture the thinking behind code changes, especially for AI coding assistants. It focuses on the reasons why code is written, not just what the code does or how it works. This is important because AI now creates a lot of code, and WhySpec makes sure the important decisions and human judgment are saved and easy to find later.

Benefits

WhySpec helps make decisions before coding begins, records what actually happens during the coding process, and highlights what changed and any unexpected outcomes. This ensures that the reasoning behind code is preserved.

Use Cases

Imagine you need to add a new feature like JWT authentication to your project. You can use WhySpec to start by creating a plan. This plan includes documenting your intentions, design choices, and the tasks needed. After the coding is done, WhySpec helps capture all the decisions made, like how user data is stored, and any surprising discoveries, such as adding extra security features during a review. This process can be used with various AI coding tools like Claude Code, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot.

Vibes

WhySpec is designed to work alongside other AI coding tools. It fills in the gap by focusing on the 'why' behind code changes, complementing tools that handle planning and execution.