fission-ai__openspec/openspec/changes/add-init-command/specs/cli-init/spec.md

CLI Init Specification

Purpose

The openspec init command SHALL create a complete OpenSpec directory structure in any project, enabling immediate adoption of OpenSpec conventions.

Behavior

Directory Creation

WHEN openspec init is executed THEN create the following directory structure:

openspec/
├── project.md
├── README.md
├── specs/
└── changes/
    └── archive/

File Generation

The command SHALL generate:

• README.md containing complete OpenSpec instructions for AI assistants
• project.md with customizable project context template

Interactive Mode (Default)

WHEN run without flags THEN prompt user for:

• Project name
• Project description
• Technology stack
• Key conventions

Non-Interactive Mode

WHEN run with --yes flag THEN use sensible defaults for all prompts

WHEN run with --no-input flag THEN skip all prompts and use minimal defaults

Safety Checks

WHEN openspec/ directory already exists THEN exit with error unless --force flag is provided

WHEN --force flag is provided THEN backup existing directory before overwriting

Exit Codes

• 0: Success
• 1: OpenSpec directory already exists
• 2: Insufficient permissions
• 3: User cancelled operation

Why

Manual creation of OpenSpec structure is error-prone and creates adoption friction. A standardized init command ensures:

• Consistent structure across all projects
• Proper AI instruction files are always included
• Quick onboarding for new projects
• Clear conventions from the start