spike

Validate technical assumptions through time-boxed spike experiments.

4|Updated Feb 7, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/uta2000/feature-flow --skill spike-uta2000
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: spike
Source: https://github.com/uta2000/feature-flow/tree/main/skills/spike
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/uta2000/feature-flow --skill spike-uta2000

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Run time-boxed technical experiments to de-risk unknowns before committing to a design or implementation plan. A spike answers the question: "Will this actually work?"

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Identify and document risky technical assumptions.
  • Design minimal experiments to validate or deny those assumptions.
  • Compile evidence and deliver a concise spike report to inform design decisions.
  • Reference related context and documentation to avoid known gotchas.

Quick Start

Identify the riskiest assumptions, then run a time-boxed spike to validate them before committing to design.

Frequently Asked Questions about spike

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I validate technical assumptions before committing to a software design?▼

You can validate technical assumptions by running time-boxed spikes that design minimal experiments to test risky unknowns. This process identifies assumptions, executes targeted experiments, and delivers evidence-based verdicts to inform your design decisions before implementation.

What is a time-boxed spike for de-risking software engineering projects?▼

A time-boxed spike is a focused technical experiment used to de-risk uncertain outcomes before committing to implementation. It answers whether a specific approach will work by designing minimal experiments, executing them in parallel worktrees, and compiling evidence into a final spike report.

How do I evaluate external APIs and library integrations for feasibility?▼

To evaluate external API and library feasibility, run structured technical spikes that identify risky assumptions and design minimal experiments. This validates integration outcomes through evidence-based verdicts, ensuring uncertain external dependencies are tested before full design commitment.

What is the best way to run proof-of-concept experiments for risky technical features?▼

The best way to run proof-of-concept experiments is using a structured spike workflow that identifies assumptions, designs minimal tests, and executes them in parallel worktrees. This delivers evidence-based verdicts and a concise spike report to inform your design decisions.

When should I run a spike during the design brainstorming phase?▼

You should run a spike during design brainstorming or concept reviews when evaluating uncertain outcomes like external APIs, libraries, or integrations. Running time-boxed experiments de-risks these unknowns by delivering evidence-based verdicts before you commit to a design.

What limitations should I consider when using spikes for risk assessment?▼

Spikes are limited by their time-boxed nature, meaning they provide minimal experiments rather than full implementations. They focus strictly on validating or denying technical assumptions to deliver evidence-based verdicts, so they should not be treated as production-ready code or comprehensive design documents.