From: gregisenberg
The current landscape presents a significant opportunity to create agencies and build AI websites and applications, especially while the process is still challenging. Those who start now will be able to create even more sophisticated sites by the time the tools become easier to use [00:00:10]. This period allows for pushing the boundaries of AI website development, potentially leading to profitable industries and niches [00:00:31].
Designing with Vzer
Vzer is a tool used for designing application interfaces [00:01:30]. It allows for the generation of ideas, such as a community social app where users can create profiles, share startup ideas, receive AI-generated steps, and rate/comment on others’ ideas [00:01:38].
Iterative Design Process
When using Vzer, an initial design may not be satisfactory [00:02:11]. Users can iterate on designs by providing specific instructions, such as changing color schemes to match a brand (e.g., white and orange with neon accents) [00:03:20]. It’s recommended to design one component at a time for more effective and faster visualization of changes [00:08:35]. This approach prevents overwhelming the context window and reduces generation time [00:10:32].
Publishing and Organization
Designs created in Vzer can be published, allowing for full-screen viewing and sharing [00:11:01]. The “Fork” feature enables saving links to individual components, creating an organized record of designs that can be easily accessed later for code retrieval [00:11:07].
Building with Cursor AI and Replit
Cursor AI is a primary tool for app development, especially when combined with Replit and Firebase [00:17:34].
Template Setup and API Integration
A pre-configured template, often built with Next.js, streamlines the development process by integrating various APIs like OpenAI, Claude (Anthropic), and Firebase [00:18:12]. This template handles “plumbing” code, which is often the hardest part for beginners [00:22:54]. Setting up this template, including connecting to Firebase and linking Cursor AI to Replit, can take about 15 minutes for first-time users [00:17:15].
Using Cursor AI Effectively
Cursor AI operates with different modes, including a “composer” mode (Command I) for editing multiple files simultaneously [00:19:21]. This mode is central to being a “software composer” [00:19:37].
Key tips for using Cursor AI:
- Follow instructions from “paths”: Access pre-defined prompts for common functionalities (e.g., social media app primitives like authentication, home feed, liking, commenting) using the
@symbol [00:20:19]. - Describe and instruct: Clearly describe the current problem, then specifically tell Cursor AI what to do [00:32:25]. For design issues, screenshots with annotations can be helpful [00:32:50].
- Handle errors iteratively: Expect errors; copy-pasting them back into Cursor AI is a common and effective troubleshooting method [00:25:22].
- Save frequently: Regularly save changes in Cursor AI and commit them in Replit’s Git tab. This allows reverting to previous states if issues arise [00:29:29].
- Reset the composer: When moving to new features or addressing different problems, reset the composer window to prevent context overload [01:09:42].
- Use the chat feature (
Command L): Ask Cursor AI to explain the codebase or specific errors in plain English [00:38:04]. This enhances the learning process [00:37:30]. - Be specific: The more descriptive and precise the prompt, the better the results. Avoid ambiguity [00:44:26].
- Context is key: Always provide
@codebasecontext, especially early on, so Cursor AI knows what files to look at [00:35:06].
Implementing AI Features
An example of an AI feature is generating steps for a startup idea using the OpenAI API. The user types in an idea, and the AI generates actionable steps that can be marked as complete, allowing users to track progress [00:49:19]. This involves plugging AI responses into structured fields rather than just providing text, which is more complex [00:49:56].
Addressing Visual and Functional Issues
After initial setup, focus shifts to refining the application:
- Navigation bars: Resolve issues like duplicate navigation bars by specifically instructing Cursor AI which one to keep or remove, providing detailed descriptions of their differences (e.g., color, items) [00:46:02].
- Login functionality: Fix broken login pages by telling the AI the specific error (e.g., 404 page not found) and asking it to enable login [00:36:11].
- Styling integration: Integrate designs from Vzer by providing the code and instructing Cursor AI to use it purely as a style reference, not to copy content directly, to avoid breaking the code [00:59:08].
- Data compatibility: When changing the application’s data format (e.g., how posts are displayed), older posts might not be compatible. Generating new content will show the updated format [01:13:22].
- User profiles: Implement features like updating profile pictures and displaying them on the home feed. Issues with images often relate to how data is uploaded and accessed [01:22:52].
- Responsiveness: Web apps created this way are often responsive on mobile devices [00:46:57].
General Advice and the Future of AI App Development
Developing with AI tools means accepting errors and confusion as part of the process [01:28:46]. It’s a new space, and embracing the iterative nature is crucial [01:28:46].
- Speed: A minimal viable product (MVP) can be built in a day or even an hour or two [01:05:41].
- Focus on function over design: Prioritize core functionality before refining the design, as a beautiful app without core features is unusable [01:18:50].
- Ownership: While specific details may vary, users generally license the software (e.g., Cursor AI) to create something they own [00:53:35].
- Visualizing data: Tools like Supabase (or Notion) can help in visually structuring data, which aids in preventing errors related to data organization when building apps [01:31:57].
- Voice commands: Using voice-to-text tools like Talktastic can improve workflow and make the process more free-flowing [01:11:57].
- Experimentation: Treat putting out software like putting out a tweet; experiment with ideas and iterate based on traction [01:25:11].
- Community: Engage with communities (e.g., Senior Software Composers at
sswc.com) to learn from others and solve problems collectively [01:28:28]. This fosters learning and helps navigate new types of errors [01:28:32].
The future of app development might involve platforms where users can easily create and “remix” web experiences, similar to how content is shared and modified on platforms like TikTok or Twitter [01:25:51]. This marks a shift towards a more efficient and user-friendly version of development, akin to a simplified GitHub [01:26:15].