Superpowers: a skill set that makes Claude Code plan and test before coding
TL;DR
Superpowers (obra/superpowers) is a library of workflows for Claude Code. Its skills load automatically and push the agent through steps good engineers already follow: clarify requirements, write a plan, code with TDD, debug systematically and verify before declaring completion.
Key skills
| Skill | What it does |
|---|---|
| Brainstorming | Asks questions to sharpen the idea before any code |
| Writing plans | Detailed plans: phases, verification commands, success criteria, rollback |
| Executing plans | Runs in batches with review checkpoints |
| Test-driven development | RED → GREEN → REFACTOR: failing test first, then code |
| Systematic debugging | Root cause → pattern → hypothesis test → fix |
| Verification before completion | Must run checks and read the output before saying “done” |
Install
/plugin marketplace add obra/superpowers-marketplace
/plugin install superpowers@superpowers-marketplaceHow to put it to work
- Use it for big work: multi-file features, migrations, refactors — where skipping the plan is costly.
- Review the plan like a design doc: it’s the best control point for a Tech Lead before the agent touches code.
- Skip it for tiny tasks: a one-line fix doesn’t need a brainstorm; the full process costs time and tokens.
- PMs: Superpowers’ plans and success criteria double as acceptance criteria.
Further reading: Superpowers guide (Trevor Lasn)