Getting Started with Kiro's Spec-Driven Development

What is Kiro?

Kiro is Amazon's revolutionary agentic AI IDE that launched in public preview in July 2025. Unlike traditional code completion tools, Kiro focuses on spec-driven development, moving beyond "vibe coding" to create production-ready applications with structured specifications, automated testing, and comprehensive documentation.

Core Features That Matter

1. Spec-Driven Development

Kiro's approach centers on three critical specification files that serve as your project's single source of truth:

• requirements.md - Captures what needs to be built using user stories and acceptance criteria in EARS format
• design.md - Outlines the technical architecture with components, data models, and sequence diagrams
• tasks.md - Breaks down the work into a checklist of coding tasks

2. Agent Hooks

Kiro's biggest differentiator is what Amazon calls "hooks"—automated checks that run when you save files, commit code, or hit other triggers. Think of them as an experienced developer looking over your shoulder.

// Example Hook Workflow
When you save a React component
→ Hooks update the test file

When you modify API endpoints  
→ Hooks refresh README files

When you're ready to commit
→ Security hooks scan for leaked credentials

3. EARS Format Requirements

Kiro uses EARS (Easy Approach to Requirements Syntax) notation for clear, testable requirements:

WHEN a user submits a form with invalid data
THE SYSTEM SHALL display validation errors next to the relevant fields

WHEN a user clicks the "Save" button  
THE SYSTEM SHALL store the data and show a success message

WHILE the user is logged out
THE SYSTEM SHALL redirect to the login page

Getting Started: Your First Project

Step 1: Download and Install

Kiro is currently available in preview for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Visit kiro.dev to download the IDE.

Step 2: Authentication

Sign in using Google, GitHub, Builder ID, or AWS SSO. An AWS account is NOT mandatory—Kiro works with any cloud provider.

Step 3: Create Your First Spec

Start a new session in Kiro's chat (right sidebar) and select the "Spec" option. Kiro will ask clarifying questions about your goals and requirements.

Step 4: Follow the Workflow

The spec-driven development process follows this pattern:

1. Define Requirements - Kiro helps create requirements.md with user stories
2. Design Architecture - Creates design.md with technical architecture details
3. Generate Tasks - Breaks down implementation into tasks.md
4. Execute Implementation - AI agents work through the tasks systematically

Best Practices for Success

Start with Clear Requirements

The quality of your output depends heavily on the clarity of your initial requirements. Use the EARS format to structure your needs:

# User Story
As a developer
I want to add user authentication
So that users can securely access their data

# Acceptance Criteria (EARS Format)
WHEN a user registers with valid email and password
THE SYSTEM SHALL create a new account and send confirmation email

WHEN a user logs in with correct credentials
THE SYSTEM SHALL grant access and create a session

WHEN a user provides incorrect credentials  
THE SYSTEM SHALL display an error message and log the attempt

Leverage Agent Steering

One of Kiro's most powerful features is Agent Steering—the ability to guide Kiro's behavior for your specific project. Use the command palette to run "Kiro: Setup Steering for Project" to create three steering files:

• product.md - Product requirements and business logic
• tech.md - Technical standards and architecture preferences
• structure.md - File organization and naming conventions

Use Hooks Strategically

Set up hooks for repetitive tasks that you want automated:

• Unit test generation and updates
• Documentation synchronization
• Code style enforcement
• Security vulnerability scanning

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don't Skip the Spec Phase

It's tempting to jump straight into coding, but Kiro's power comes from its structured approach. Always start with a spec, even for small features.

Keep Tasks Granular

Break down complex features into small, manageable tasks in your tasks.md. This helps Kiro provide more accurate implementations.

Iterate on Requirements

Don't be afraid to refine your requirements as you learn more about the problem space. Kiro's specifications are designed for continuous refinement.

What's Next?

Kiro is currently free during its preview period, with plans for three pricing tiers:

• Free - 50 agent interactions per month
• Pro ($19/month) - 1,000 interactions
• Pro+ ($39/month) - 3,000 interactions

The platform supports multiple AI models (Claude Sonnet 4.0 and 3.7) and includes MCP (Model Context Protocol) support for connecting specialized tools.