Superpowers

Definition

Superpowers is a complete software development workflow for coding agents, built on composable "skills" and initial instructions that make sure agents use them automatically. The agent asks what you are trying to do before writing code, rather than jumping straight into it. The basic path runs from brainstorming through a git worktree, a written plan, and subagent or batch execution. Implementation follows RED-GREEN-REFACTOR, and review blocks on critical issues. Finished work can be merged, opened as a pull request, kept, or discarded. Skills install on Claude Code, Cursor, Codex, OpenCode, GitHub Copilot CLI, and Gemini CLI. It is a workflow, not a memory system, and small tasks feel slow.

Installation

Claude Code (Official Marketplace)

/plugin install superpowers@claude-plugins-official

Claude Code (Plugin Marketplace)

/plugin marketplace add obra/superpowers-marketplace
/plugin install superpowers@superpowers-marketplace

Cursor

/add-plugin superpowers

Or search for "superpowers" in the plugin marketplace.

Codex

Fetch from https://raw.githubusercontent.com/obra/superpowers/refs/heads/main/.codex/INSTALL.md

OpenCode

Fetch from https://raw.githubusercontent.com/obra/superpowers/refs/heads/main/.opencode/INSTALL.md

GitHub Copilot CLI

copilot plugin marketplace add obra/superpowers-marketplace
copilot plugin install superpowers@superpowers-marketplace

Gemini CLI

gemini extensions install https://github.com/obra/superpowers

Verify Installation

Start a new session and ask something that triggers a skill:

• "help me plan this feature"
• "let's debug this issue"

The 7-Step Basic Workflow

brainstorming

• Activates before writing code
• Refines rough ideas through Socratic questions
• Explores alternatives
• Presents design in sections for validation
• Saves design document

using-git-worktrees

• Activates after design approval
• Creates isolated workspace on new branch
• Runs project setup
• Verifies clean test baseline

writing-plans

• Activates with approved design
• Breaks work into bite-sized tasks (2-5 minutes each)
• Every task has exact file paths
• Complete code with verification steps

subagent-driven-development / executing-plans

• Activates with plan
• Dispatches fresh subagent per task
• Two-stage review: spec compliance → code quality
• Or executes in batches with human checkpoints

test-driven-development

• Activates during implementation
• Enforces RED-GREEN-REFACTOR:
  • Write failing test
  • Watch it fail
  • Write minimal code
  • Watch it pass
  • Commit
• Deletes code written before tests

requesting-code-review

• Activates between tasks
• Reviews against plan
• Reports issues by severity
• Critical issues block progress

finishing-a-development-branch

• Activates when tasks complete
• Verifies tests
• Presents options: merge/PR/keep/discard
• Cleans up worktree

Skills Library

Testing

• test-driven-development - RED-GREEN-REFACTOR cycle

Debugging

• systematic-debugging - 4-phase root cause process
• verification-before-completion - Ensure it's actually fixed

Collaboration

• brainstorming - Socratic design refinement
• writing-plans - Detailed implementation plans
• executing-plans - Batch execution with checkpoints
• dispatching-parallel-agents - Concurrent subagent workflows
• requesting-code-review - Pre-review checklist
• receiving-code-review - Responding to feedback
• using-git-worktrees - Parallel development branches
• finishing-a-development-branch - Merge/PR decision workflow
• subagent-driven-development - Two-stage review

Meta

• writing-skills - Create new skills
• using-superpowers - Introduction

Philosophy

• Test-Driven Development - Write tests first, always
• Systematic over ad-hoc - Process over guessing
• Complexity reduction - Simplicity as primary goal
• Evidence over claims - Verify before declaring success

Updating

/plugin update superpowers

Tech Stack

Supported Platforms

• Claude Code
• Cursor
• Codex
• OpenCode
• GitHub Copilot CLI
• Gemini CLI

Strengths

Weaknesses

When to Use

• Complex projects: Need a systematic approach
• Team workflows: Standardized development process
• TDD focus: When test quality matters
• Multi-agent development: Subagent orchestration
• Code review automation: Structured review process
• Long-term projects: With maintainability requirements

Its strict test-first workflow has a cost in agent loops; see TDD With Coding Agents for the token, test-tampering and ATDD trade-offs.

References:

• obra/superpowers

See also: Think Better · Knowns · Memory Tool Comparison