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notion-spec-to-implementation skill

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This skill converts a Notion spec into linked implementation plans, tasks, and progress updates to streamline planning and tracking.

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SKILL.md
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---
name: notion-spec-to-implementation
description: Turn Notion specs into implementation plans, tasks, and progress tracking; use when implementing PRDs/feature specs and creating Notion plans + tasks from them.
metadata:
  short-description: Turn Notion specs into implementation plans, tasks, and progress tracking
---

# Spec to Implementation

Convert a Notion spec into linked implementation plans, tasks, and ongoing status updates.

## Quick start
1) Locate the spec with `Notion:notion-search`, then fetch it with `Notion:notion-fetch`.
2) Parse requirements and ambiguities using `reference/spec-parsing.md`.
3) Create a plan page with `Notion:notion-create-pages` (pick a template: quick vs. full).
4) Find the task database, confirm schema, then create tasks with `Notion:notion-create-pages`.
5) Link spec ↔ plan ↔ tasks; keep status current with `Notion:notion-update-page`.

## Workflow

### 0) If any MCP call fails because Notion MCP is not connected, pause and set it up:
1. Add the Notion MCP:
   - `codex mcp add notion --url https://mcp.notion.com/mcp`
2. Enable remote MCP client:
   - Set `[features].rmcp_client = true` in `config.toml` **or** run `codex --enable rmcp_client`
3. Log in with OAuth:
   - `codex mcp login notion`

After successful login, the user will have to restart codex. You should finish your answer and tell them so when they try again they can continue with Step 1.

### 1) Locate and read the spec
- Search first (`Notion:notion-search`); if multiple hits, ask the user which to use.
- Fetch the page (`Notion:notion-fetch`) and scan for requirements, acceptance criteria, constraints, and priorities. See `reference/spec-parsing.md` for extraction patterns.
- Capture gaps/assumptions in a clarifications block before proceeding.

### 2) Choose plan depth
- Simple change → use `reference/quick-implementation-plan.md`.
- Multi-phase feature/migration → use `reference/standard-implementation-plan.md`.
- Create the plan via `Notion:notion-create-pages`, include: overview, linked spec, requirements summary, phases, dependencies/risks, and success criteria. Link back to the spec.

### 3) Create tasks
- Find the task database (`Notion:notion-search` → `Notion:notion-fetch` to confirm the data source and required properties). Patterns in `reference/task-creation.md`.
- Size tasks to 1–2 days. Use `reference/task-creation-template.md` for content (context, objective, acceptance criteria, dependencies, resources).
- Set properties: title/action verb, status, priority, relations to spec + plan, due date/story points/assignee if provided.
- Create pages with `Notion:notion-create-pages` using the database’s `data_source_id`.

### 4) Link artifacts
- Plan links to spec; tasks link to both plan and spec.
- Optionally update the spec with a short “Implementation” section pointing to the plan and tasks using `Notion:notion-update-page`.

### 5) Track progress
- Use the cadence in `reference/progress-tracking.md`.
- Post updates with `reference/progress-update-template.md`; close phases with `reference/milestone-summary-template.md`.
- Keep checklists and status fields in plan/tasks in sync; note blockers and decisions.

## References and examples
- `reference/` — parsing patterns, plan/task templates, progress cadence (e.g., `spec-parsing.md`, `standard-implementation-plan.md`, `task-creation.md`, `progress-tracking.md`).
- `examples/` — end-to-end walkthroughs (e.g., `ui-component.md`, `api-feature.md`, `database-migration.md`).

Overview

This skill turns Notion feature specs and PRDs into concrete implementation plans, task lists, and ongoing progress tracking inside Notion. It creates linked plan pages and appropriately sized tasks, wires relations between spec→plan→tasks, and keeps status fields and progress updates in sync. Use it to move from specification to execution with traceability and clear acceptance criteria.

How this skill works

The skill locates and fetches the spec in Notion, extracts requirements, acceptance criteria, constraints, and any ambiguities. It generates a plan page (quick or full) and discovers the project task database to create and size tasks (1–2 day units), setting properties like status, priority, assignee, and relations to spec and plan. Finally, it links artifacts, optionally updates the spec with an Implementation section, and posts regular progress updates or milestone summaries.

When to use it

  • Converting a Notion PRD or feature spec into an actionable implementation plan
  • Onboarding a feature into development with clear tasks and acceptance criteria
  • Breaking a large migration or multi-phase feature into phases and milestones
  • Maintaining traceability between spec, plan, and live tasks for audits or reviews
  • Keeping stakeholders updated with structured progress posts in Notion

Best practices

  • Search and fetch the spec first; confirm which page if multiple hits before proceeding
  • Capture gaps and assumptions as clarifications before building the plan
  • Choose plan depth: quick for small changes, standard for multi-phase features
  • Size tasks to 1–2 day chunks and include context, objective, and acceptance criteria
  • Set and sync status fields and checklists across spec → plan → tasks; post cadence-based progress updates

Example use cases

  • Turn a UI component spec into a design→implementation→QA plan with linked tasks and acceptance tests
  • Create a phased rollout plan and tasks for a database migration with risk and rollback steps
  • Convert an API feature PRD into sprint-sized tasks, assign owners, and track progress via milestone summaries
  • Add an Implementation section to an existing spec linking to the created plan and task board for easy navigation

FAQ

What if the Notion MCP is not connected?

Pause and add the Notion MCP, enable the remote MCP client in config or with the flag, then log in with OAuth. After successful login restart Codex and rerun the workflow.

How do I pick quick vs full plan templates?

Use quick for simple changes or bug fixes; choose the standard full plan for multi-phase features, migrations, or when you need detailed dependencies and risk sections.

How are tasks sized and formatted?

Tasks are sized to 1–2 day units and created using a template with context, objective, acceptance criteria, dependencies, and links to the spec and plan.