# Using the SPARC Development Methodology in roocode 

## Prerequisites

[.roomodes file for SPARC](https://gist.githubusercontent.com/bitnom/03205e96005525f6ba55dc78cbf62b62/raw/a9c1352d36fd28fc24ef9fd093feaf0d8876983e/.roomodes.json)

[roocode boomerang mode docs](https://docs.roocode.com/features/boomerang-tasks/)

## What is SPARC?

SPARC is a methodology for structuring complex software development projects. It breaks down the development lifecycle into distinct, manageable stages, each handled by a specialized "mode" or agent. This approach promotes clarity, modularity, collaboration, and adherence to best practices, similar to an assembly line for software.

## The SPARC Modes: Your Specialized Team

Each mode acts as an expert focused on a specific development phase:

*   **`ask` (❓Ask):** Clarifies vague tasks into actionable prompts and identifies the correct mode for delegation. Uses **Prompt Decomposition Thinking**.
*   **`sparc` (⚡️ SPARC Orchestrator):** The project manager. Breaks down high-level goals into subtasks and delegates them using `new_task`. Uses **SPARC Orchestration Thinking**.
*   **`spec-pseudocode` (📋 Specification Writer):** Defines *what* the software should do (requirements, edge cases, constraints) via detailed pseudocode.
*   **`architect` (🏗️ Architect):** Designs *how* the system is built (high-level structure, scalability, security, component interactions). Uses **Architectural Systems Thinking** and often visualization tools like Mermaid.
*   **`code` (🧠 Auto-Coder):** Writes clean, efficient, modular implementation code based on specs and architecture.
*   **`tdd` (🧪 Tester (TDD)):** Writes tests *before* implementation using Test-Driven Development principles to ensure quality.
*   **`security-review` (🛡️ Security Reviewer):** Audits code and infrastructure for security vulnerabilities.
*   **`docs-writer` (📚 Documentation Writer):** Creates clear user and developer documentation.
*   **`integration` (🔗 System Integrator):** Merges outputs from different modes into a cohesive, working system.
*   **`devops` (🚀 DevOps):** Manages deployment, infrastructure automation, and CI/CD.
*   **Other Modes:** Specialized modes exist for debugging (`debug`), optimization (`refinement-optimization-mode`), monitoring (`post-deployment-monitoring-mode`), etc.

## The SPARC Workflow & Key Commands

1.  **Define & Decompose:** Start with a high-level task. Use `ask` or `sparc` to refine and break it down.
2.  **Delegate (`new_task`):** The orchestrator assigns subtasks to appropriate modes.
    *   *Example:*
        ```xml
        <new_task>
          <mode>spec-pseudocode</mode>
          <message>Define functional requirements and pseudocode for the password reset flow.