BMAD-METHOD: Breakthrough Method for Agile AI-Driven Development
When to use this skill
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Planning complex software projects: Coordinating multiple AI agents in structured workflows.
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Reducing hallucinations: Using spec-driven development (SDD) to ensure precision.
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Scaling development: From simple bug fixes to enterprise-grade systems.
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Enterprise applications: Projects requiring compliance and multi-team coordination.
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Legacy modernization: Brownfield development with incremental migration.
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Team collaboration: Enabling multiple agents and humans to work together efficiently.
- Core Concepts
Four-Phase Methodology
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Phase 1: Analysis (Optional): Exploration and research using /brainstorm-project , /research , /product-brief .
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Phase 2: Planning (Required): Requirements definition using /prd , /tech-spec , /create-ux-design .
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Phase 3: Solutioning (Track-Dependent): Architecture design using /create-architecture .
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Phase 4: Implementation (Required): Sprint execution using /sprint-plan , /story-breakdown .
Multi-Agent Orchestration
Coordinates 26+ specialized agents. Use /load-agent [name] or /party-mode [names...] .
Agent Phase Responsibility
Analyst Analysis Market research, competitive analysis
Product Manager Planning PRD creation, requirements definition
Architect Solutioning Technical design, ADRs, system decisions
Developer Implementation Code implementation, technical execution
QA Specialist Implementation Test design, quality assurance
Barry Quick Flow Solo development track specialist
Scale-Adaptive Intelligence
Automatically adjusts planning depth (Simple, BMad Method, Enterprise) based on complexity.
- Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Initialize BMAD
Ensure Node.js v20+ is installed and initialize BMAD at the project level.
Check prerequisites
node --version git --version
Install BMAD-METHOD
npx bmad-method install
Step 2: Verification (Installation Check)
Verify the setup is ready for operation.
Check installation manifest
cat .bmad-manifest.json
Get interactive guidance
/bmad-help
Step 3: Start a Workflow
Execute the phase-appropriate command.
Start with ideation
/brainstorm-project
Move to requirements
/prd
Step 4: Multi-Agent Collaboration
Use Party Mode for complex planning.
/party-mode analyst pm architect
- Code Examples
Example 1: Quick Flow Implementation
Scenario: Rapid feature development using the Barry agent.
1. Load Barry
/load-agent barry
2. Generate lightweight spec
/tech-spec
3. Implement and verify
/sprint-plan
Example 2: CI/CD Non-Interactive Installation
Scenario: Automated environment setup.
npx bmad-method install
--directory ./my-project
--modules bmm,bmb
--tools "Claude Code"
-y
- Best Practices
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SDD First: Never code before producing a spec (PRD or Tech Spec).
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Isolation: Use project-level installation for configuration consistency.
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Quality Gates: Run QA workflows before merging or deploying.
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Human Governance: Agents are expert collaborators; humans provide final approval.
- Troubleshooting
Issue Cause Solution
Command not found
BMAD not installed Run npx bmad-method install
Hallucinations
Vague spec Refine /prd or /tech-spec output
Workflow stuck
State conflict Run /bmad-help or check sprint-status.yaml
Missing Agent
Module not installed Re-run install with --modules flag
- References
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Official Documentation
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GitHub Repository
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Workflow Map
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Agent Reference