BMAD-METHOD/README.md
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Co-authored-by: Murat Ozcan <murat@mac.lan>
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# BMad CORE + BMad Method
[![Stable Version](https://img.shields.io/npm/v/bmad-method?color=blue&label=stable)](https://www.npmjs.com/package/bmad-method)
[![Alpha Version](https://img.shields.io/npm/v/bmad-method/alpha?color=orange&label=alpha)](https://www.npmjs.com/package/bmad-method)
[![License: MIT](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-MIT-yellow.svg)](LICENSE)
[![Node.js Version](https://img.shields.io/badge/node-%3E%3D20.0.0-brightgreen)](https://nodejs.org)
[![Discord](https://img.shields.io/badge/Discord-Join%20Community-7289da?logo=discord&logoColor=white)](https://discord.gg/gk8jAdXWmj)
> **🚨 Alpha Version Notice**
>
> v6-alpha is near-beta quality—stable and vastly improved over v4, but documentation is still being refined. New videos coming soon to the [BMadCode YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@BMadCode)—subscribe for updates!
>
> **Getting Started:**
>
> - **Install v6 Alpha:** `npx bmad-method@alpha install`
> - **Install stable v4:** `npx bmad-method install`
> - **Not sure what to do?** Load any agent and run `*workflow-init` for guided setup
> - **v4 Users:** [View v4 documentation](https://github.com/bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD/tree/V4) or [upgrade guide](./docs/v4-to-v6-upgrade.md)
## Universal Human-AI Collaboration Platform
**BMad-CORE** (**C**ollaboration **O**ptimized **R**eflection **E**ngine) amplifies human potential through specialized AI agents. Unlike tools that replace thinking, BMad-CORE guides reflective workflows that bring out your best ideas and AI's full capabilities.
The **BMad-CORE** powers the **BMad Method** (probably why you're here!), but you can also use **BMad Builder** to create custom agents, workflows, and modules for any domain—software development, business strategy, creativity, learning, and more.
**🎯 Human Amplification** • **🎨 Domain Agnostic** • **⚡ Agent-Powered**
## Table of Contents
- [BMad CORE + BMad Method](#bmad-core--bmad-method)
- [Universal Human-AI Collaboration Platform](#universal-human-ai-collaboration-platform)
- [Table of Contents](#table-of-contents)
- [What is BMad-CORE?](#what-is-bmad-core)
- [v6 Core Enhancements](#v6-core-enhancements)
- [C.O.R.E. Philosophy](#core-philosophy)
- [Modules](#modules)
- [BMad Method (BMM) - AI-Driven Agile Development](#bmad-method-bmm---ai-driven-agile-development)
- [v6 Highlights](#v6-highlights)
- [🚀 Quick Start](#-quick-start)
- [BMad Builder (BMB) - Create Custom Solutions](#bmad-builder-bmb---create-custom-solutions)
- [Creative Intelligence Suite (CIS) - Innovation \& Creativity](#creative-intelligence-suite-cis---innovation--creativity)
- [Installation](#installation)
- [🎯 Working with Agents \& Commands](#-working-with-agents--commands)
- [Method 1: Agent Menu (Recommended for Beginners)](#method-1-agent-menu-recommended-for-beginners)
- [Method 2: Direct Slash Commands](#method-2-direct-slash-commands)
- [Method 3: Party Mode Execution](#method-3-party-mode-execution)
- [Key Features](#key-features)
- [🎨 Update-Safe Customization](#-update-safe-customization)
- [🚀 Intelligent Installation](#-intelligent-installation)
- [📁 Clean Architecture](#-clean-architecture)
- [📄 Document Sharding (Advanced)](#-document-sharding-advanced)
- [Documentation](#documentation)
- [Community \& Support](#community--support)
- [Development \& Quality Checks](#development--quality-checks)
- [Testing \& Validation](#testing--validation)
- [Code Quality](#code-quality)
- [Build \& Development](#build--development)
- [Contributing](#contributing)
- [License](#license)
---
## What is BMad-CORE?
Foundation framework powering all BMad modules:
- **Agent Orchestration** - Specialized AI personas with domain expertise
- **Workflow Engine** - Guided multi-step processes with built-in best practices
- **Modular Architecture** - Extend with domain-specific modules (BMM, BMB, CIS, custom)
- **IDE Integration** - Works with Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code, and more
- **Update-Safe Customization** - Your configs persist through all updates
### v6 Core Enhancements
- **🎨 Agent Customization** - Modify names, roles, personalities via `bmad/_cfg/agents/`
- **🌐 Multi-Language** - Independent language settings for communication and output
- **👤 Personalization** - Agents adapt to your name, skill level, and preferences
- **🔄 Persistent Config** - Customizations survive module updates
- **⚙️ Flexible Settings** - Configure per-module or globally
### C.O.R.E. Philosophy
- **C**ollaboration: Human-AI partnership leveraging complementary strengths
- **O**ptimized: Battle-tested processes for maximum effectiveness
- **R**eflection: Strategic questioning that unlocks breakthrough solutions
- **E**ngine: Framework orchestrating 19+ specialized agents and 50+ workflows
BMad-CORE doesn't give you answers—it helps you **discover better solutions** through guided reflection.
## Modules
### BMad Method (BMM) - AI-Driven Agile Development
Revolutionary AI-driven agile framework for software and game development. Automatically adapts from single bug fixes to enterprise-scale systems.
#### v6 Highlights
**🎯 Scale-Adaptive Intelligence (3 Planning Tracks)**
Automatically adjusts planning depth and documentation based on project needs:
- **Quick Flow Track:** Fast implementation (tech-spec only) - bug fixes, small features, clear scope
- **BMad Method Track:** Full planning (PRD + Architecture + UX) - products, platforms, complex features
- **Enterprise Method Track:** Extended planning (BMad Method + Security/DevOps/Test) - enterprise requirements, compliance
**🏗️ Four-Phase Methodology**
1. **Phase 1: Analysis** (Optional) - Brainstorming, research, product briefs
2. **Phase 2: Planning** (Required) - Scale-adaptive PRD/tech-spec/GDD
3. **Phase 3: Solutioning** (Track-dependent) - Architecture, (Coming soon: security, DevOps, test strategy)
4. **Phase 4: Implementation** (Iterative) - Story-centric development with just-in-time context
**🤖 12 Specialized Agents**
PM • Analyst • Architect • Scrum Master • Developer • Test Architect (TEA) • UX Designer • Technical Writer • Game Designer • Game Developer • Game Architect • BMad Master (Orchestrator)
**📚 Documentation**
- **[Complete Documentation Hub](./src/modules/bmm/docs/README.md)** - Start here for all BMM guides
- **[Quick Start Guide](./src/modules/bmm/docs/quick-start.md)** - Get building in 15 minutes
- **[Agents Guide](./src/modules/bmm/docs/agents-guide.md)** - Meet all 12 agents (45 min read)
- **[34 Workflow Guides](./src/modules/bmm/docs/README.md#-workflow-guides)** - Complete phase-by-phase reference
- **[BMM Module Overview](./src/modules/bmm/README.md)** - Module structure and quick links
---
## 🚀 Quick Start
**After installation** (see [Installation](#installation) below), choose your path:
**Three Planning Tracks:**
1. **⚡ Quick Flow Track** - Bug fixes and small features
- 🐛 Bug fixes in minutes
- ✨ Small features (2-3 related changes)
- 🚀 Rapid prototyping
- **[→ Quick Spec Flow Guide](./src/modules/bmm/docs/quick-spec-flow.md)**
2. **📋 BMad Method Track** - Products and platforms
- Complete planning (PRD/GDD)
- Architecture decisions
- Story-centric implementation
- **[→ Complete Quick Start Guide](./src/modules/bmm/docs/quick-start.md)**
3. **🏢 Brownfield Projects** - Add to existing codebases
- Document existing code first
- Then choose Quick Flow or BMad Method
- **[→ Brownfield Guide](./src/modules/bmm/docs/brownfield-guide.md)**
**Not sure which path?** Run `*workflow-init` and let BMM analyze your project goal and recommend the right track.
**[📚 Learn More: Scale Adaptive System](./src/modules/bmm/docs/scale-adaptive-system.md)** - How BMM adapts across three planning tracks
---
### BMad Builder (BMB) - Create Custom Solutions
Build your own agents, workflows, and modules using the BMad-CORE framework.
**What You Can Build:**
- **Custom Agents** - Domain experts with specialized knowledge
- **Guided Workflows** - Multi-step processes for any task
- **Complete Modules** - Full solutions for specific domains
- **Three Agent Types** - Full module, hybrid, or standalone
**Perfect For:** Creating domain-specific solutions (legal, medical, finance, education, creative, etc.) or extending BMM with custom development workflows.
**Documentation:**
- **[BMB Module Overview](./src/modules/bmb/README.md)** - Complete reference
- **[Create Agent Workflow](./src/modules/bmb/workflows/create-agent/README.md)** - Build custom agents
- **[Create Workflow](./src/modules/bmb/workflows/create-workflow/README.md)** - Design guided processes
- **[Create Module](./src/modules/bmb/workflows/create-module/README.md)** - Package complete solutions
### Creative Intelligence Suite (CIS) - Innovation & Creativity
AI-powered creative facilitation using proven methodologies and techniques.
**5 Interactive Workflows:**
- **Brainstorming** - Generate and refine ideas with 30+ techniques
- **Design Thinking** - Human-centered problem solving
- **Problem Solving** - Systematic breakthrough techniques
- **Innovation Strategy** - Disruptive business model thinking
- **Storytelling** - Compelling narrative frameworks
**5 Specialized Agents:** Each with unique facilitation styles and domain expertise
**Shared Resource:** CIS workflows are used by other modules (BMM's `brainstorm-project` uses CIS brainstorming)
**Documentation:**
- **[CIS Module Overview](./src/modules/cis/README.md)** - Complete reference
- **[CIS Workflows Guide](./src/modules/cis/workflows/README.md)** - All 5 creative workflows
---
## Installation
**Prerequisites:** Node.js v20+ ([Download](https://nodejs.org))
```bash
# v6 Alpha (recommended for new projects)
npx bmad-method@alpha install
# Stable v4 (production)
npx bmad-method install
```
The installer provides:
1. **Module Selection** - Choose BMM, BMB, CIS (or all)
2. **Configuration** - Your name, language preferences, game dev options
3. **IDE Integration** - Automatic setup for your IDE
**Installation creates:**
```
your-project/
└── bmad/
├── core/ # Core framework + BMad Master agent
├── bmm/ # BMad Method (12 agents, 34 workflows)
├── bmb/ # BMad Builder (1 agent, 7 workflows)
├── cis/ # Creative Intelligence (5 agents, 5 workflows)
└── _cfg/ # Your customizations (survives updates)
└── agents/ # Agent customization files
```
**Next Steps:**
1. Load any agent in your IDE
2. Run `*workflow-init` to set up your project workflow path
3. Follow the [Quick Start](#-quick-start) guide above to choose your planning track
---
## 🎯 Working with Agents & Commands
**Multiple Ways to Execute Workflows:**
BMad is flexible - you can execute workflows in several ways depending on your preference and IDE:
### Method 1: Agent Menu (Recommended for Beginners)
1. **Load an agent** in your IDE (see [IDE-specific instructions](./docs/ide-info/))
2. **Wait for the menu** to appear showing available workflows
3. **Tell the agent** what to run using natural language or shortcuts:
- Natural: "Run workflow-init"
- Shortcut: `*workflow-init`
- Menu number: "Run option 2"
### Method 2: Direct Slash Commands
**Execute workflows directly** using slash commands:
```
/bmad:bmm:workflows:workflow-init
/bmad:bmm:workflows:prd
/bmad:bmm:workflows:dev-story
```
**Tip:** While you can run these without loading an agent first, **loading an agent is still recommended** - it can make a difference with certain workflows.
**Benefits:**
- ✅ Mix and match any agent with any workflow
- ✅ Run workflows not in the loaded agent's menu
- ✅ Faster access for experienced users who know the command names
### Method 3: Party Mode Execution
**Run workflows with multi-agent collaboration:**
1. Start party mode: `/bmad:core:workflows:party-mode`
2. Execute any workflow - **the entire team collaborates on it**
3. Get diverse perspectives from multiple specialized agents
**Perfect for:** Strategic decisions, complex workflows, cross-functional tasks
---
> **📌 IDE-Specific Note:**
>
> Slash command format varies by IDE:
>
> - **Claude Code:** `/bmad:bmm:workflows:prd`
> - **Cursor/Windsurf:** May use different syntax - check your IDE's [documentation](./docs/ide-info/)
> - **VS Code with Copilot Chat:** Syntax may differ
>
> See **[IDE Integration Guides](./docs/ide-info/)** for your specific IDE's command format.
---
## Key Features
### 🎨 Update-Safe Customization
Modify agents without touching core files:
- Override agent names, personalities, expertise via `bmad/_cfg/agents/`
- Customizations persist through all updates
- Multi-language support (communication + output)
- Module-level or global configuration
### 🚀 Intelligent Installation
Smart setup that adapts to your environment:
- Auto-detects v4 installations for smooth upgrades
- Configures IDE integrations (Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code)
- Resolves cross-module dependencies
- Generates unified agent/workflow manifests
### 📁 Clean Architecture
Everything in one place:
- Single `bmad/` folder (no scattered files)
- Modules live side-by-side (core, bmm, bmb, cis)
- Your configs in `_cfg/` (survives updates)
- Easy to version control or exclude
### 📄 Document Sharding (Advanced)
Optional optimization for large projects (BMad Method and Enterprise tracks):
- **Massive Token Savings** - Phase 4 workflows load only needed sections (90%+ reduction)
- **Automatic Support** - All workflows handle whole or sharded documents seamlessly
- **Easy Setup** - Built-in tool splits documents by headings
- **Smart Discovery** - Workflows auto-detect format
**[→ Document Sharding Guide](./docs/document-sharding-guide.md)**
---
## Documentation
**Module Documentation:**
- **[BMM Complete Documentation Hub](./src/modules/bmm/docs/README.md)** - All BMM guides, FAQs, troubleshooting
- **[BMB Module Reference](./src/modules/bmb/README.md)** - Build custom agents and workflows
- **[CIS Workflows Guide](./src/modules/cis/workflows/README.md)** - Creative facilitation workflows
**Additional Resources:**
- **[Documentation Index](./docs/index.md)** - All project documentation
- **[v4 to v6 Upgrade Guide](./docs/v4-to-v6-upgrade.md)** - Migration instructions
- **[CLI Tool Guide](./tools/cli/README.md)** - Installer and build tool reference
- **[Contributing Guide](./CONTRIBUTING.md)** - How to contribute
---
## Community & Support
- 💬 **[Discord Community](https://discord.gg/gk8jAdXWmj)** - Get help, share projects (#general-dev, #bugs-issues)
- 🐛 **[GitHub Issues](https://github.com/bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD/issues)** - Report bugs, request features
- 🎥 **[YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@BMadCode)** - Video tutorials and walkthroughs
-**[Star this repo](https://github.com/bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD)** - Stay updated on releases
---
## Development & Quality Checks
**For contributors working on the BMAD codebase:**
**Requirements:** Node.js 22+ (see `.nvmrc`). Run `nvm use` to switch to the correct version.
### Testing & Validation
```bash
# Run all quality checks (comprehensive - use before pushing)
npm test
# Individual test suites
npm run test:schemas # Agent schema validation (fixture-based)
npm run test:install # Installation component tests (compilation)
npm run validate:schemas # YAML schema validation
npm run validate:bundles # Web bundle integrity
```
### Code Quality
```bash
# Lint check
npm run lint
# Auto-fix linting issues
npm run lint:fix
# Format check
npm run format:check
# Auto-format all files
npm run format:fix
```
### Build & Development
```bash
# Bundle for web deployment
npm run bundle
# Test local installation
npm run install:bmad
```
**Pre-commit Hook:** Auto-fixes changed files (lint-staged) + validates everything (npm test)
**CI:** GitHub Actions runs all quality checks in parallel on every PR
---
## Contributing
We welcome contributions! See **[CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md)** for:
- Code contribution guidelines
- Documentation improvements
- Module development
- Issue reporting
---
## License
**MIT License** - See [LICENSE](LICENSE) for details
**Trademarks:** BMAD™ and BMAD-METHOD™ are trademarks of BMad Code, LLC.
---
[![Contributors](https://contrib.rocks/image?repo=bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD)](https://github.com/bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD/graphs/contributors)
<sub>Built with ❤️ for the human-AI collaboration community</sub>