Spec Driven Design

SDD: Spec-Driven Development in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence can already write code in seconds. The problem is that plausible-looking code isn't the same as correct code; those who simply fire off impromptu prompts end up with systems no one understands, skyrocketing AI bills, and results that break the moment they encounter an edge case.

This book teaches the method that puts you back in the driver's seat: SDD (Spec-Driven Development). The concept is simple yet powerful: you clearly describe what you want before asking for the code, so the AI works against a clear contract rather than guessing your intentions.

What you will learn:

• What SDD is and why it has become essential now that AI has lowered the cost of writing code

• The software development fundamentals underpinning the method-from Waterfall and Agile to Clean Architecture, SOLID, and TDD-explained in plain language

• Leading SDD tools on the market, with a focus on the GitHub Spec Kit

• How to write project charters, specifications, plans, and tasks that the AI actually follows

• The full cycle in practice: building a real application from end to end, with every decision explained and justified

Who this is for:

For both beginners who want to truly understand how software is built and experienced developers tired of battling "vibe-coding" and prompts that burn through money without getting anywhere.

By the end, you won't just be using AI to code faster; you'll be using it to build complete, robust applications with clear, maintainable code-knowing exactly what you asked for, why you asked for it, and how to evaluate the output.