name: sparc-methodology
title: SPARC Development Framework
version: 3.0.0
category: development
description: SPARC (Specification, Pseudocode, Architecture, Refinement, Completion) comprehensive development methodology with multi-agent orchestration
tags:
- sparc
- tdd
- architecture
- orchestration
- methodology
- multi-agent
author: Claude Flow
difficulty: intermediate
prerequisites:
- Claude Flow MCP server configured
- Swarm orchestration available
tools_required:
- mcp__claude-flow__*
- Bash
- TodoWrite
related_skills:
- hooks-automation
- swarm-orchestration
- hive-mind-execution

SPARC Development Framework

Behavioral Classification

Type: Guided Decision

This skill guides you through development methodology decisions and then executes based on your choices.

Decision Points:
1. Which SPARC mode(s) to use for your task?
2. Swarm topology (hierarchical, mesh, ring, star)?
3. Parallel or sequential execution?
4. Test coverage target?

Overview

SPARC (Specification, Pseudocode, Architecture, Refinement, Completion) is a systematic development methodology integrated with Claude Flow's multi-agent orchestration capabilities. It provides 17 specialized modes for comprehensive software development, from initial research through deployment and monitoring.

Core Philosophy

SPARC methodology emphasizes:

• Systematic Approach: Structured phases from specification to completion
• Test-Driven Development: Tests written before implementation
• Parallel Execution: Concurrent agent coordination for 2.8-4.4x speed improvements
• Memory Integration: Persistent knowledge sharing across agents and sessions
• Quality First: Comprehensive reviews, testing, and validation

Key Principles

1. Specification Before Code: Define requirements and constraints clearly
2. Design Before Implementation: Plan architecture and components
3. Tests Before Features: Write failing tests, then make them pass
4. Review Everything: Code quality, security, and performance checks
5. Document Continuously: Maintain current documentation throughout

Quick Start

MCP Tools (Preferred)

// Initialize swarm
mcp__claude-flow__swarm_init { topology: "hierarchical", maxAgents: 8 }

// Execute a mode
mcp__claude-flow__sparc_mode {
  mode: "coder",
  task_description: "implement user authentication with JWT",
  options: { test_driven: true }
}

CLI (Terminal)

# List all modes
npx claude-flow sparc modes

# Run specific mode
npx claude-flow sparc run <mode> "task description"

# TDD workflow
npx claude-flow sparc tdd "feature description"

# Full pipeline
npx claude-flow sparc pipeline "task description"

Sub-Documentation

For detailed information, see the following files:

Available Modes (17 total)

Core Orchestration

Development

Analysis & Research

Creative & Support

Activation Methods

Method 1: MCP Tools (Preferred)

mcp__claude-flow__sparc_mode {
  mode: "<mode-name>",
  task_description: "<task description>",
  options: { /* mode-specific options */ }
}

Method 2: NPX CLI

npx claude-flow sparc run <mode> "task description"

Method 3: Local Installation

./claude-flow sparc run <mode> "task description"

Quick Reference

Most Common Commands

npx claude-flow sparc modes                    # List modes
npx claude-flow sparc run <mode> "task"        # Run specific mode
npx claude-flow sparc tdd "feature"            # TDD workflow
npx claude-flow sparc pipeline "task"          # Full pipeline
npx claude-flow sparc batch <modes> "task"     # Batch execution

Most Common MCP Calls

// Initialize swarm
mcp__claude-flow__swarm_init { topology: "hierarchical" }

// Execute mode
mcp__claude-flow__sparc_mode { mode: "coder", task_description: "..." }

// Monitor progress
mcp__claude-flow__swarm_monitor { interval: 5000 }

// Store in memory
mcp__claude-flow__memory_usage { action: "store", key: "...", value: "..." }

Performance Benefits

Proven Results:
- 84.8% SWE-Bench solve rate
- 32.3% token reduction through optimizations
- 2.8-4.4x speed improvement with parallel execution
- 27+ neural models for pattern learning
- 90%+ test coverage standard

Support and Resources

• Documentation: https://github.com/ruvnet/claude-flow
• Issues: https://github.com/ruvnet/claude-flow/issues
• NPM Package: https://www.npmjs.com/package/claude-flow

Remember: SPARC = Specification, Pseudocode, Architecture, Refinement, Completion

Version: 3.0.0
Last Updated: 2025-01-24