---
title: NLSpec
slug: nlspec
type: concept
created: 2026-06-17
updated: 2026-06-17
status: active
tags:
  - nlspec
  - specification
  - agent-readable
sources:
  - strongdm-attractor-nlspec
  - 2389-dark-factory-dot-file-2026-03-09
related:
  - strongdm-attractor
  - specs-vs-code
  - dot-pipeline
confidence: high
contradictions:
  - Natural language specs are accessible to agents and humans, but ambiguity must be controlled with validation and examples.
bead_refs:
  - dark-factory-rr4
---

# NLSpec

An NLSpec is a natural-language specification written to be implemented by coding agents. In the StrongDM Attractor repository, NLSpecs define desired behavior for a unified LLM client, a coding agent loop, and a DOT pipeline engine.

## Role In The Factory

- It is the contract between human intent and generated implementation.
- It is durable enough to rebuild implementation code from scratch.
- It can define interfaces, validation behavior, error cases, tool contracts, and extension points.

## Risk

`inference:` NLSpecs are stronger than casual prompts but weaker than executable tests. A dark factory needs NLSpecs plus validation: conformance tests, holdouts, static checks, and observability.