OpenSpec Update Command

Update OpenSpec instruction files to the latest version without affecting slash commands.

Purpose

Refreshes OpenSpec workflow documentation (AGENTS.md files) when the OpenSpec CLI is updated, ensuring you have the latest best practices and patterns.

Usage

Run this command after updating the OpenSpec CLI to get the latest instruction files:

# Update OpenSpec CLI first
npm update -g @jsdocs-io/openspec

# Then refresh instruction files
/openspec-update

What This Command Does

1. Validates openspec CLI is installed

   • Checks if openspec command is available
   • Shows current version

2. Runs openspec update

   • Updates openspec/AGENTS.md (OpenSpec workflow instructions)
   • Updates root AGENTS.md (if it exists)
   • Does NOT touch slash commands (we maintain our own enhanced versions)

3. Shows what was updated

   • Lists files that changed
   • Explains what's new (if possible)

Safety

This command is safe to run repeatedly:

• ✅ Updates instruction files only
• ✅ Won't override workflow plugin commands
• ✅ Won't modify your specs or changes
• ✅ Won't affect project configuration

When to Run

• After updating OpenSpec CLI to a new version
• When you want the latest OpenSpec patterns and best practices
• After reading OpenSpec release notes mentioning instruction updates

Implementation

# Check if openspec is installed
if ! command -v openspec &> /dev/null; then
  echo "Error: openspec CLI not found"
  echo ""
  echo "Install with:"
  echo "  npm install -g @jsdocs-io/openspec"
  echo "  # or"
  echo "  pnpm add -g @jsdocs-io/openspec"
  echo "  # or"
  echo "  yarn global add @jsdocs-io/openspec"
  exit 1
fi

# Show current version
OPENSPEC_VERSION=$(openspec --version 2>&1 || echo "unknown")
echo "OpenSpec CLI version: $OPENSPEC_VERSION"
echo ""

# Get current working directory
PROJECT_DIR=$(pwd)

# Check if initialized
if [ ! -d "$PROJECT_DIR/openspec" ]; then
  echo "Error: OpenSpec not initialized in this project"
  echo ""
  echo "Run /openspec-init first to set up OpenSpec"
  exit 1
fi

# Update instruction files
echo "Updating OpenSpec instruction files in: $PROJECT_DIR"
echo ""
openspec update "$PROJECT_DIR"

# Check if successful
if [ $? -eq 0 ]; then
  echo ""
  echo "✅ OpenSpec instruction files updated successfully!"
  echo ""
  echo "📝 Updated files:"
  echo "   openspec/AGENTS.md  # Latest workflow instructions"
  echo "   AGENTS.md           # Updated agent guidance"
  echo ""
  echo "💡 Note:"
  echo "   Slash commands (/openspec:*) are managed by the workflow plugin"
  echo "   and are NOT affected by this update. You're using enhanced versions"
  echo "   customized for Claude Code."
  echo ""
else
  echo ""
  echo "❌ Update failed"
  echo "Check the error messages above"
  exit 1
fi

Notes

• Safe to run anytime - Won't break existing work
• No command conflicts - Won't override workflow plugin commands
• Version aware - Get instructions matching your CLI version
• Preserves customization - Your specs and changes untouched