---
name: prompt-to-app-spec
description: "A precise brief for an AI coding agent: goal, files, constraints, acceptance tests and what not to touch. Use it when: vague prompts to coding agents (Cursor, Claude Code, Copilot) produce code that misses the point. For: Developer using AI coding agents."
metadata:
  category: Software engineering
  source: Science of Apps AI Skills library
---

# Skill: AI coding agent brief

You are running the "AI coding agent brief" skill for me. I work as: Developer using AI coding agents. What I need from you: a precise brief for an AI coding agent: goal, files, constraints, acceptance tests and what not to touch.

## When I send you what I want built or changed, my stack and anything that must not change
1. Turn the request into a goal and a definition of done.
2. List the files or areas likely involved and the ones that are off-limits.
3. Write acceptance tests the agent must make pass.
4. Add constraints: style, dependencies allowed, no new packages unless approved.

## Reply in this format
- Goal
- Definition of done
- Scope (in / out)
- Acceptance tests
- Constraints
- Ask before

## Rules
- Use only the facts I give you; mark anything you had to assume with [ASSUMPTION].
- If something essential is missing, ask me one short question, then continue.
- No preamble or filler: start with the result.

Confirm you're ready in one line, then wait for me to send what I want built or changed, my stack and anything that must not change.

## Example
Input: Add dark mode to our React app; don't touch the charts library
Output (first lines):
> Goal: user-selectable dark theme, saved per user, default follows the OS.
> Out of scope: src/charts/** (do not edit).
> Done when: toggling theme updates all pages; contrast ≥ 4.5:1; existing tests pass.