Definition
Engineering Intent is the objective, constraints, and expected behavior behind a piece of engineering work, captured explicitly rather than left implicit. A Specification is the primary way engineering intent is recorded; a Work Order is how that intent is handed to implementation.
Why It Matters
Thinking in specifications means moving intent to the front of the engineering process, before implementation begins. Once intent is explicit, it can be reviewed, shared between humans and AI agents, and referenced later — rather than being reconstructed after the fact from whatever code happens to exist.
Related Concepts
- Specification
- Specification-Driven Development
- Work Order
- Context
References
- GUIDE-0001 — Thinking in Specifications
- GUIDE-0003 — Writing Good Work Orders
- OM-0002 — Work Orders