Specgate Project Setup

Setting Up SpecGate

Apply the [SpecGate operating contract](../specgate/SKILL.md#operating-contract). This phase configures SpecGate; it does not create specifications or product work.

1. Ensure the CLI is available

Use the host shell's command lookup before running any SpecGate command:

command -v specgate

Get-Command specgate -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

When lookup succeeds, run specgate --version and continue to inspect the current state.

Installing from skills.sh does not install the SpecGate CLI; it provides agent instructions only. If the command is missing on macOS, Linux, or WSL2, show the user the exact installer command and wait for explicit approval before running it:

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/thanhtung2693/specgate/main/scripts/install-cli.sh | sh

A general request to set up or initialize SpecGate is not approval to download and execute the installer. On native Windows, offer WSL2 with the command above or direct the user to https://github.com/thanhtung2693/specgate/releases/latest; do not invent a PowerShell installer. After installation, run specgate --version. If lookup still fails, report the install path and PATH recovery printed by the installer.

Completion criterion: the installed CLI version is recorded, or setup is paused for explicit installer approval or native Windows installation.

2. Inspect the current state

specgate doctor --json

Use the doctor's reported state and recovery action. In an existing topology, follow that recovery action instead of rerunning initialization or switching mode. Initialization is required only when doctor reports no initialized topology.

Completion criterion: every failing doctor check is recorded, or doctor confirms the current topology is healthy.

3. Initialize only when required

The user chooses Local or Full mode; never infer that product decision from Docker, a URL, or installed software. In an interactive terminal, run exactly the chosen mode:

specgate init --mode local
specgate init --mode full

For noninteractive Local initialization, collect the user's identity values and run:

specgate init --mode local --no-input \
  --workspace-name "" \
  --display-name "" \
  --username ""

Use specgate init --help for Full or non-default noninteractive deployment options. Do not purge, replace, or migrate existing data as part of setup.

Completion criterion: the chosen mode is initialized, or the exact failed command and its recovery action are reported.

4. Select and bind the workspace

specgate user current --json
specgate workspace current --json
specgate workspace bind

If identity or workspace selection is missing or ambiguous, stop for the user to choose it. Bind only when the current repository binding is missing, incorrect, or explicitly requested; a plugin-only refresh leaves a correct binding unchanged.

Completion criterion: specgate workspace current --json identifies the intended workspace and the repository binding is correct or deliberately left unchanged.

5. Install or refresh the selected IDE integration

Read the session ownership context. If the IDE plugin manager owns SpecGate, skip plugin install and doctor for that IDE. Use that manager for plugin changes.

Otherwise, the user chooses the IDE and whether its files are user-global or project-local. Preview the exact scope, then install it noninteractively:

specgate plugins install --agent  --dry-run --no-input
specgate plugins install --agent  --no-input

Add --project-local to both commands only when that scope was selected. Do not install every IDE or change scope merely because an executable is present.

Completion criterion: one owner, selected IDE and scope only.

6. Verify and hand off

specgate doctor --json
specgate workspace current --json
specgate plugins doctor --agent  --json

Run plugin doctor only for a CLI-installed integration; add --project-local when needed. Otherwise use the IDE plugin manager. Restart the IDE after plugin changes.

Completion criterion: SpecGate, workspace, and selected IDE integration are healthy. On failure, report the failed command and recovery action.

Source & license

This open-source skill is cataloged on AgentStack and links to its original source — we do not rehost the code.

• Author: thanhtung2693
• Source: thanhtung2693/specgate
• License: Apache-2.0
• Homepage: https://thanhtung2693.github.io/specgate/

Install and usage instructions live in the source repository linked above.