name: openspec-install description: Install the OpenSpec CLI globally via npm, pnpm, yarn, bun, or nix. Use when the user says "install OpenSpec", "set up OpenSpec", or "openspec command not found".

OpenSpec Install Skill

Install the OpenSpec CLI so that openspec is available globally. This skill covers only installing the CLI; it does not run openspec init. For project initialization after install, use openspec-initial.

When to Use

• First-time OpenSpec setup ("install OpenSpec", "get started with OpenSpec").
• User reports "openspec: command not found".
• Upgrading to the latest version.
• CI or scripts that need the CLI pre-installed.

Prerequisites

• Node.js 20.19.0 or higher — Check with node --version. If not installed, guide the user to install Node.js first (e.g. via nvm, fnm, or official installer).

Workflow

1. Check if already installed

   • Run openspec --version. If it succeeds, the CLI is already installed; suggest openspec-initial for project setup or upgrading via npm install -g @fission-ai/openspec@latest.

2. Choose package manager and install

   • npm (most common): npm install -g @fission-ai/openspec@latest
   • pnpm: pnpm add -g @fission-ai/openspec@latest
   • yarn: yarn global add @fission-ai/openspec@latest
   • bun: bun add -g @fission-ai/openspec@latest
   • nix (one-time, no install): nix run github:Fission-AI/OpenSpec -- init
   • nix (persistent): nix profile install github:Fission-AI/OpenSpec

3. Verify installation

   • Run openspec --version to confirm.

4. Upgrade existing installation

   • Same command as install — e.g. npm install -g @fission-ai/openspec@latest.

Outputs

• openspec command available globally in PATH.

Next Steps

• Use openspec-initial to run openspec init in a project.
• Or use openspec-onboard for a guided tutorial.

Different Environments

Troubleshooting

• Node.js version too old: OpenSpec requires Node.js 20.19.0+. Upgrade Node.js first.
• Permission errors (npm): Use npm install -g without sudo if using nvm/fnm; otherwise consider using nvm.
• Command not found after install: Ensure the global bin directory is in PATH (check npm bin -g).
• nix not available: Install nix or use npm/pnpm/yarn/bun instead.

References

• OpenSpec Installation docs
• OpenSpec GitHub