Quick Start Guide
Relevant source files
The following files were used as context for generating this wiki page:This guide provides a high-level overview and starting points for using the Spec-Driven Development methodology and associated tools within the Kiro ecosystem. It covers the core development process, setting up the documentation web app, and integrating with tools like the Kiro MCP Server and the Claude Code Plugin.
The project is centered around a systematic, three-phase feature development process: Requirements → Design → Tasks. This structured approach aims to reduce ambiguity, improve quality, and enable effective AI collaboration. This guide will help you navigate the documentation and tools to apply this methodology effectively.
Sources: README.md:3-4, skills/spec-driven-development/SKILL.md:10
Spec-Driven Development Workflow
The core of this repository is the Spec-Driven Development methodology, a three-phase workflow designed to transform ideas into well-defined, implementable solutions. Each phase builds upon the previous one, with approval gates to ensure alignment before proceeding.
Sources: spec-process-guide/process/README.md:18-27, skills/spec-driven-development/SKILL.md:18
The diagram below illustrates the three-phase workflow.
Phase Overview
- Requirements: Transform rough ideas into structured, testable requirements. This phase often uses the EARS (Easy Approach to Requirements Syntax) format to define acceptance criteria.
Sources: spec-process-guide/process/README.md:31, skills/spec-driven-development/SKILL.md:21-25 - Design: Research and architect a comprehensive technical solution. This includes defining system architecture, components, data models, and interfaces.
Sources: spec-process-guide/process/README.md:32, skills/spec-driven-development/SKILL.md:37-41 - Tasks: Break the design down into an actionable implementation plan with discrete, sequential coding steps.
Sources: spec-process-guide/process/README.md:33, skills/spec-driven-development/SKILL.md:59-63
Navigating the Documentation
The repository is structured to guide different user roles. The navigation index provides tailored paths for getting started.
Sources: spec-process-guide/NAVIGATION.md:6-12
This flowchart shows a typical path for a user new to Spec-Driven Development.
| User Role | Recommended Starting Point | Key Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Simple Feature Example | Implementation Guide, Quality Assurance |
| Project Manager | Methodology Overview | Process Guide, Case Studies |
| Technical Lead | Process Guide | Design Phase, AI Decision Frameworks |
| Sources: spec-process-guide/NAVIGATION.md:60-76 |
Kiro Web App
The repository includes a React-based web application to present the documentation in a user-friendly interface.
Sources: kiro-web-app/README.md:3-5
Tech Stack
| Category | Technology |
|---|---|
| UI Framework | React 18 |
| Language | TypeScript |
| Styling | Tailwind CSS |
| Routing | React Router |
| Build Tool | Vite |
| Sources: kiro-web-app/README.md:27-33 |
Local Setup
To run the documentation web app locally, follow these steps:
- Install dependencies:
npm install - Start development server:
npm run dev
The application will be available at http://localhost:3000.
Sources: kiro-web-app/README.md:37-45
Tooling & Integrations
The Kiro project provides tools to integrate its methodologies into your development environment.
Sources: README.md:143
Kiro MCP Server
The Kiro MCP (Model Context Protocol) Server exposes the system's prompts and instructions, allowing other AI assistants and tools to access Kiro's best practices.
Sources: README.md:145-147
Installation and Configuration:
- Install the server (using
uvxis recommended):# Using uvx uvx kiro-mcp-server # Or install with pip pip install kiro-mcp-server - Add the server to your MCP client configuration (e.g.,
~/.kiro/settings/mcp.json):{ "mcpServers": { "kiro-prompts": { "command": "uvx", "args": ["kiro-mcp-server"], "disabled": false } } }
Sources: README.md:151-168
Claude Code Plugin
Kiro is available as an installable Claude Code plugin with several skills that follow the agentskills.io specification. These skills allow an AI assistant to automatically apply the Spec-Driven Development methodology.
Sources: README.md:172-174
Installation:
You can install the plugin with the following commands in Claude Code:
# Add the Kiro marketplace
/plugin marketplace add https://github.com/jasonkneen/kiro
# Install the skill pack
/plugin install kiro-spec-driven@kiro-marketplace
Sources: README.md:178-182
Available Skills:
Once installed, the assistant can use these skills when relevant.
| Skill | Description | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|
spec-driven-development | Master methodology for creating specs. | "create a spec for..." |
requirements-engineering | Use EARS format for requirements. | "write requirements for..." |
design-documentation | Define technical architecture. | "design the architecture..." |
task-breakdown | Plan implementation steps. | "break down into tasks..." |
create-steering-documents | Generate project guidelines and standards. | "create steering documents..." |
| Sources: README.md:186-199, skills/create-steering-documents/SKILL.md:3-10 |
Summary
This guide provides the essential starting points for engaging with the Spec-Driven Development process. By understanding the three-phase workflow, knowing how to navigate the documentation, and setting up the provided tools, developers and teams can begin to implement a more structured and predictable approach to software development. For deeper dives, refer to the specific guides for each Methodology, Process, and Tool.
Sources: README.md:21-29