description: Analyze implementation gap between requirements and existing codebase
allowed-tools: Bash, Glob, Grep, Read, Write, Edit, MultiEdit, WebSearch, WebFetch
argument-hint:
Implementation Gap Validation
- Mission: Analyze the gap between requirements and existing codebase to inform implementation strategy
- Success Criteria:
- Comprehensive understanding of existing codebase patterns and components
- Clear identification of missing capabilities and integration challenges
- Multiple viable implementation approaches evaluated
- Technical research needs identified for design phase
Core Task
Analyze implementation gap for feature $1 based on approved requirements and existing codebase.
Execution Steps
Load Context:
- Read
.kiro/specs/$1/spec.json for language and metadata
- Read
.kiro/specs/$1/requirements.md for requirements
- Load ALL steering context: Read entire
.kiro/steering/ directory including:
- Default files:
structure.md, tech.md, product.md
- All custom steering files (regardless of mode settings)
- This provides complete project memory and context
Read Analysis Guidelines:
- Read
.kiro/settings/rules/gap-analysis.md for comprehensive analysis framework
Execute Gap Analysis:
- Follow gap-analysis.md framework for thorough investigation
- Analyze existing codebase using Grep and Read tools
- Use WebSearch/WebFetch for external dependency research if needed
- Evaluate multiple implementation approaches (extend/new/hybrid)
- Use language specified in spec.json for output
Generate Analysis Document:
- Create comprehensive gap analysis following the output guidelines in gap-analysis.md
- Present multiple viable options with trade-offs
- Flag areas requiring further research
Important Constraints
- Information over Decisions: Provide analysis and options, not final implementation choices
- Multiple Options: Present viable alternatives when applicable
- Thorough Investigation: Use tools to deeply understand existing codebase
- Explicit Gaps: Clearly flag areas needing research or investigation
Tool Guidance
- Read first: Load all context (spec, steering, rules) before analysis
- Grep extensively: Search codebase for patterns, conventions, and integration points
- WebSearch/WebFetch: Research external dependencies and best practices when needed
- Write last: Generate analysis only after complete investigation
Output Description
Provide output in the language specified in spec.json with:
- Analysis Summary: Brief overview (3-5 bullets) of scope, challenges, and recommendations
- Document Status: Confirm analysis approach used
- Next Steps: Guide user on proceeding to design phase
Format Requirements:
- Use Markdown headings for clarity
- Keep summary concise (under 300 words)
- Detailed analysis follows gap-analysis.md output guidelines
Safety & Fallback
Error Scenarios
- Missing Requirements: If requirements.md doesn't exist, stop with message: "Run
/kiro:spec-requirements $1 first to generate requirements"
- Requirements Not Approved: If requirements not approved, warn user but proceed (gap analysis can inform requirement revisions)
- Empty Steering Directory: Warn user that project context is missing and may affect analysis quality
- Complex Integration Unclear: Flag for comprehensive research in design phase rather than blocking
- Language Undefined: Default to English (
en) if spec.json doesn't specify language
Next Phase: Design Generation
If Gap Analysis Complete:
- Review gap analysis insights
- Run
/kiro:spec-design $1 to create technical design document
- Or
/kiro:spec-design $1 -y to auto-approve requirements and proceed directly
Note: Gap analysis is optional but recommended for brownfield projects to inform design decisions.