Learning Hackathon: Spec Driven Development

Overview

Learning Hackathon: Spec Driven Development is a learning-focused online event hosted by Devpost. The challenge introduces a new, shorter hackathon format designed around education and practical skill-building. Participants use Claude Code to plan a project with an AI learning partner, build it, and submit a working app within a compact timeframe. The event emphasizes specific development practices, artifact creation, and hands-on experience rather than competition or prizes. The page emphasizes accessibility, inviting participants with varying levels of experience to engage with the Claude Code plugin and related workflows.

Getting Started

This hackathon centers on spec driven development. It guides participants through installing and using a Claude Code plugin, planning with an AI partner, and delivering a finished application along with documentation. Most participants complete the process in 4 to 6 hours. There are no prizes or judges for this event; instead, attendees gain practical, repeatable workflows and a new Devpost badge. A Resources page provides setup instructions and tutorial videos, including How to vibe code like a pro, a Learning plugin walkthrough, and Claude Code installation guidance. Tools required include Claude Pro or Max for Claude Code, Git on your computer, and a terminal for development. Participants should prepare a basic project idea and be ready to document the process from planning to final submission.

Why Participate

This event is designed to teach by doing rather than watching. It offers an interactive experience where you use an AI learning partner to guide brainstorming, design, and submission. The plugin adapts to different skill levels, providing a level playing field for beginners and experienced developers alike. By completing the full workflow, you leave with a scope document, a requirements document, a technical specification, a build checklist, and a working app. These artifacts serve as templates for future projects and practical references for real-world development.

What You’ll Learn

• Spec driven development: plan with AI before building to ensure intentional, well-scoped projects.
• Flipped interaction prompting: the AI interviews you to refine requirements and design.
• Context management: keep AI productivity across sessions rather than starting from scratch each time.
• Verification habits: check work at each step to prevent scope creep and maintain quality.

Agenda and Schedule

The event runs online, with a focused deadline to submit a finished project along with the required artifacts. The deadline is set for April 29, 2026 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. Viewable schedules and schedules for start times, as well as calendar options for Apple, Google, and Outlook, are available via the event page. There are resources and guidance to help you get started quickly, and a dedicated section for Getting Started with setup instructions and tutorial videos.

Who Should Attend

Beginners and experienced developers alike who want to learn productive AI-assisted development workflows. The challenge is designed to be accessible to people with various backgrounds, provided they have Claude Pro or Max, Git, and a terminal. It is ideal for anyone looking to learn how to plan, document, and ship an actual application using AI as a collaborator.

Format and Deliverables

There is a clear emphasis on artifacts and documentation:

• Scope document
• Requirements doc
• Technical specification
• Build checklist
• Working app with source code
• Public submission including a project description and supporting materials

FAQ

• Is this a competition with prizes? No. It is a learning-focused challenge intended to build practical skills and provide a badge for participants.
• Do I need to use Claude Code? Yes, the plugin is central to the workflow.
• Can I participate without prior coding experience? The format is designed to be accessible, with an AI partner guiding the process. Beginners with the listed tools can participate.

This description reflects the content and objectives presented on the event page and in the embedded metadata. It translates the key details into a structured guide to help potential participants understand the event, its goals, and how to prepare for a successful submission.