create-technical-spike

Create Technical Spike Document

Create time-boxed technical spike documents for researching critical questions that must be answered before development can proceed. Each spike focuses on a specific technical decision with clear deliverables and timelines.

Document Structure

Create individual files in ${input:FolderPath|docs/spikes} directory. Name each file using the pattern: [category]-[short-description]-spike.md (e.g., api-copilot-integration-spike.md, performance-realtime-audio-spike.md).

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Categories for Technical Spikes

API Integration

• Third-party API capabilities and limitations
• Integration patterns and authentication
• Rate limits and performance characteristics

Architecture & Design

• System architecture decisions
• Design pattern applicability
• Component interaction models

Performance & Scalability

• Performance requirements and constraints
• Scalability bottlenecks and solutions
• Resource utilization patterns

Platform & Infrastructure

• Platform capabilities and limitations
• Infrastructure requirements
• Deployment and hosting considerations

Security & Compliance

• Security requirements and implementations
• Compliance constraints
• Authentication and authorization approaches

User Experience

• User interaction patterns
• Accessibility requirements
• Interface design decisions

File Naming Conventions

Use descriptive, kebab-case names that indicate the category and specific unknown:

API/Integration Examples:

• api-copilot-chat-integration-spike.md
• api-azure-speech-realtime-spike.md
• api-vscode-extension-capabilities-spike.md

Performance Examples:

• performance-audio-processing-latency-spike.md
• performance-extension-host-limitations-spike.md
• performance-webrtc-reliability-spike.md

Architecture Examples:

• architecture-voice-pipeline-design-spike.md
• architecture-state-management-spike.md
• architecture-error-handling-strategy-spike.md

Best Practices for AI Agents

1. One Question Per Spike: Each document focuses on a single technical decision or research question

2. Time-Boxed Research: Define specific time limits and deliverables for each spike

3. Evidence-Based Decisions: Require concrete evidence (tests, prototypes, documentation) before marking as complete

4. Clear Recommendations: Document specific recommendations and rationale for implementation

5. Dependency Tracking: Identify how spikes relate to each other and impact project decisions

6. Outcome-Focused: Every spike must result in an actionable decision or recommendation

Research Strategy

Phase 1: Information Gathering

1. Search existing documentation using search/fetch tools
2. Analyze codebase for existing patterns and constraints
3. Research external resources (APIs, libraries, examples)

Phase 2: Validation & Testing

1. Create focused prototypes to test specific hypotheses
2. Run targeted experiments to validate assumptions
3. Document test results with supporting evidence

Phase 3: Decision & Documentation

1. Synthesize findings into clear recommendations
2. Document implementation guidance for development team
3. Create follow-up tasks for implementation

Tools Usage

• search/searchResults: Research existing solutions and documentation
• fetch/githubRepo: Analyze external APIs, libraries, and examples
• codebase: Understand existing system constraints and patterns
• runTasks: Execute prototypes and validation tests
• editFiles: Update research progress and findings
• vscodeAPI: Test VS Code extension capabilities and limitations

Focus on time-boxed research that resolves critical technical decisions and unblocks development progress.