Say it like this
- Let's write up the technical spec
- The technical spec outlines all requirements
- We need to review the technical spec before launch
Use it at work
Starting work
- I'll write the technical spec this week.
- Can you review the technical spec?
Giving feedback
- The technical spec doesn't cover error handling.
- Add the API changes to the tech spec.
Process
- Big features need a technical spec.
- The technical spec is linked in the ticket.
Don't say this
Technical spec is a noun, not a verb. Use 'write' or 'create' with it.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| technical spec | Detailed technical plan | Engineers | Before building |
| design doc | How a system will be built | Engineers | Before building |
| requirements | What the product must do | Product | Earlier |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your manager asks you to prepare documentation for a new feature. What do you say?
2. Before developers start coding, the team must _______ the technical spec with the product manager.
3. Which sentence uses 'technical spec' incorrectly?
4. Rewrite this in natural tech English: 'We must look at the detailed document that explains what the software should do and how it should work before we begin.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"Let's write up the technical spec"
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More about technical spec
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"Has anyone reviewed the technical spec for the new API endpoint?"
- in a code review
"This implementation doesn't match the technical spec we agreed on last week."
- in a team meeting
"We should finalize the technical spec before we allocate engineering resources to this feature."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Do not use as a verb (e.g., 'to technical spec something'). It is a noun describing a document or set of requirements, not an action.
- ✕The technical spec is very informal.✓The technical spec is very detailed and thorough.
Technical specs are expected to be formal and precise, not informal. Describe their quality with words like 'detailed' or 'comprehensive'.
- ✕We technical spec our projects every month.✓We create technical specs for our projects during the planning phase.
Again, technical spec cannot be used as a verb. Use 'create,' 'write,' or 'develop' instead.
Other forms(3)
- technical spec noun
"The technical spec for the dashboard redesign is ready for review."
- technical spec's noun (possessive)
"The technical spec is requirements section lists all the features we need to build."
- technical specs noun (plural)
"We have three technical specs in progress this quarter."
Often used with(6)
- write a technical spec · To create or draft a technical specification document
- review the technical spec · To examine and provide feedback on a specification
- follow the technical spec · To implement code according to the specification
- detailed technical spec · A comprehensive specification with thorough requirements
- technical spec document · The formal written specification
- update the technical spec · To modify or revise an existing specification
Similar words(4)
- specification · More formal term; used interchangeably but 'spec' is the common abbreviation
- requirements document · More focused on requirements; slightly broader in scope than technical spec
- design document · Emphasizes design details; may be less focused on functional requirements
- PRD (Product Requirements Document) · Focuses on product and user requirements; created by product managers, not engineers
Opposites(2)
- implementation
- code
Questions(5)
- What does technical spec mean in software engineering?
- A technical spec is a detailed document that describes what a software system or feature should do, how it should work, and the technical requirements for building it. It includes functional and non-functional requirements, system architecture, database design, API specifications, and acceptance criteria.
- How do you use technical spec in a sentence at work?
- You typically use 'technical spec' with verbs like 'write,' 'create,' 'review,' or 'follow.' Examples: 'Can you review the technical spec?' or 'We need to finalize the technical spec before development starts.' Do not use it as a verb itself.
- Is technical spec formal or informal?
- The term itself is relatively informal and commonly used in tech workplaces. However, the document it refers to is typically formal and detailed. You might hear 'tech spec' or 'spec' in casual conversations, but 'technical spec' or 'technical specification' are preferred in formal documentation and meetings.
- Who writes a technical spec?
- Usually, senior engineers, architects, or tech leads write technical specs. Sometimes they collaborate with product managers, designers, and other stakeholders. Junior developers rarely write the initial spec but often participate in reviewing and implementing according to the spec.
- When should a technical spec be written?
- A technical spec should be written during the planning or design phase, before development begins. It serves as a guide for implementation and helps prevent misunderstandings and rework later in the project.
