The Challenge with AI-Powered Development
You’ve probably heard about “Vibe Coding” – the idea that we can forget about code details and just let AI handle implementation. While it sounds appealing, this approach often leads to messy, inconsistent results when used with today’s AI development tools.
After spending hundreds of hours testing AI coding assistants like Cursor, Cline, Windsurf, and GitHub Copilot, I discovered a consistent pattern: the quality of the output directly correlates with the quality of your prompts. When you provide comprehensive specifications, you get remarkably accurate implementations. With vague directions, you waste time and money on iterations.
This is why I’ve been quiet for a few weeks – I’ve been building ArchSpec, a professional-grade, AI-powered software specification system that transforms how we approach AI development.
Introducing ArchSpec
Imagine approaching software development like Tony Stark. Before asking JARVIS to fabricate his Iron Man suit, Tony spent countless hours experimenting, prototyping, and creating detailed blueprints. That precision is what ArchSpec brings to AI development.
ArchSpec is now LIVE!
- Hosted version: https://archspec.dev
- GitHub repo: https://github.com/mamertofabian/arch-spec
- Special launch discount: Use code AIDRIVEN25 for 25% off your first 3 months!
ArchSpec helps you create comprehensive, implementation-ready specifications before writing a single line of code. Unlike the iterative “ask-and-generate” approach common with current AI coding tools, ArchSpec follows a thorough upfront planning methodology where requirements, architecture, and implementation details are defined through structured collaboration.
How ArchSpec Works
After logging in, you’ll see a dashboard with your projects and available templates. Templates provide pre-configured specifications for common application types that you can customize, including:
- Functional requirements – Authentication, data management, etc.
- Non-functional requirements – Security, usability, accessibility
- Tech stack – Front-end, back-end, database, authentication, hosting
- Features – Core functionality and capabilities
- UI design – Color palettes, typography, component styles
- Data model – Entities, relationships, fields
- Pages – Public, authenticated, and admin pages
- API endpoints – RESTful routes and methods
- Test cases – In Gherkin format (given/when/then)
- Implementation prompts – Optimized for AI coding tools
You can customize every aspect of your specification, and with a premium subscription, leverage AI to enhance each section. For example, you can describe your project in plain language and ArchSpec will generate detailed requirements, data models, API endpoints, and more.
The ArchSpec Advantage
What sets ArchSpec apart is its comprehensive approach to planning. When you’re finished, you can:
- Export individual sections as Markdown files
- Download the entire specification as a ZIP package
- Generate AI Assistant rules files for Cursor, Windsurf, and Claude Code
- Create a comprehensive README
The real magic happens when you take this specification to your favorite AI development tool. Instead of going through dozens of iterations with vague prompts, you provide clear, detailed instructions that result in accurate implementation from the start.
Here’s what one implementation prompt might look like:
Create a modern, responsive web application for expense tracking with the following specifications:
Frontend: Next.js with React and TypeScript
UI: Tailwind CSS with DaisyUI components
Backend: Node.js with Express
Database: MongoDB with Mongoose ODM
Authentication: JWT with secure HTTP-only cookies
Hosting: Vercel for frontend, Railway for backend
Key features include:
- User authentication and authorization
- Family workspace for shared expense tracking
- Category management for expenses and income
- Transaction management with filtering and search
- Dashboard with analytics and charts
- Mobile-first responsive design
- Dark/light mode toggle
The application should follow the MVC architecture pattern...
This level of detail ensures your AI assistant can generate high-quality code that meets your exact requirements.
Available in Two Versions
ArchSpec is available in two options:
- Self-hosted open-source project (Free)
- Clone the GitHub repository and run locally
- Use your own Anthropic API key
- Customize for your specific needs
- Contribute to the development
- Hosted service at ArchSpec.dev (Subscription)
- Free tier with basic features
- Premium tier with AI credits for enhancements
- No setup required
- Regular updates and new features
What’s Next for ArchSpec
I’m actively working on several enhancements:
- Optimization of AI calls for more efficient credit usage
- Intelligent knowledge graphs for gaps detection
- Additional project templates for common use cases
- Integration guides for popular AI development tools
- Collaborative features for team environments
Start Using ArchSpec Today
Whether you’re a professional developer or someone with no coding experience, ArchSpec can help you create better software faster. By planning comprehensively before implementation, you’ll save time, reduce costs, and produce higher-quality results.
Visit archspec.dev to sign up for the hosted version, or check out the GitHub repository to explore the open-source project.
Special offer: Use code AIDRIVEN25 for 25% off your first 3 months on the paid plan!
I’ll be creating additional tutorials showing ArchSpec integration with various AI development tools, so make sure you subscribe to the AI-Driven Coder YouTube channel for updates.
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or feature requests. Happy coding!
P.S. If you’re interested in joining our developer community, join our Discord server where we discuss AI development tools, techniques, and best practices.