How is Document-Driven Development different from traditional documentation?

Traditional docs are 'write docs after code'. DDD is 'write docs before generating code'. Documentation is the source of truth, not an afterthought.

Is this method suitable for solo developers?

Absolutely. Solo developers are more prone to 'coding as you think'. DDD helps maintain clear thinking and avoid rework.

Do I need to write all three documents?

Recommended, but can be simplified. For small projects, a few lines each is enough. The key is the thinking process, not document length.

How to use with Claude Code?

Add this Skill to Claude Code, and it will automatically guide you to create documentation before generating code.

Development Workflow

Document-Driven Development

Make AI coding go from "out of control" to "in control"

🎯Avoid requirement drift

⚡Reduce 40% rework time

✨Improve code quality

Quick Start

5 Steps to Get Started

From zero to mastering document-driven development in 5 minutes

Create /docs folder

Create a docs directory in your project root

Write intent.md

Define WHY and FOR WHOM

Write spec.md

Define WHAT to build and user journeys

Write plan.md

Plan technical approach and HOW to build

Generate code

Let Claude generate code based on documents

Three-Layer Documentation System

Documentation is the source of code, not an afterthought

intent.mdMost Stable

Intent Layer

Answers: WHY & FOR WHOM

Project Vision
Target Users
Core Problem
Success Criteria
Non-Goals

spec.mdModerately Stable

Specification Layer

Answers: WHAT

Feature List
User Journey
Acceptance Criteria
Non-Functional Requirements

plan.mdMost Flexible

Plan Layer

Answers: HOW

Tech Stack
Architecture
Data Model
Implementation Details

Is This For You?

✅ Highly Recommended

New projects with unclear requirements (0 to 1)
Feature development requiring iteration
Team collaboration (docs as specs)
Complex SaaS applications

❌ Can Skip

Quick bug fixes (just fix it)
Prototype validation (still exploring)
One-off scripts (use and discard)

FAQ

How is Document-Driven Development different from traditional documentation?
Traditional docs are 'write docs after code'. DDD is 'write docs before generating code'. Documentation is the source of truth, not an afterthought.
Is this method suitable for solo developers?
Absolutely. Solo developers are more prone to 'coding as you think'. DDD helps maintain clear thinking and avoid rework.
Do I need to write all three documents?
Recommended, but can be simplified. For small projects, a few lines each is enough. The key is the thinking process, not document length.
How to use with Claude Code?
Add this Skill to Claude Code, and it will automatically guide you to create documentation before generating code.

Resources

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