In this Bolt tutorial, we're going to give you everything you need to build apps and website using AI.

Some people find Bolt.new overwhelming at first because this type of tool is new.

However, we're going to break it down, step-by-step, so that you have a fully-functioning app in no time.

What is Bolt.new and Why Should You Care?

Bolt is an innovative platform that allows you to create apps using artificial intelligence. Instead of writing code line by line, you simply describe what you want to build, and Bolt generates the code for you. It's like having a team of developers, ready to turn your vision into reality.

Here's why Bolt is turning heads in the app development world:

• Rapid prototyping: Go from idea to functional app in record time
• No coding required: Perfect for non-technical founders and entrepreneurs
• Cost-effective: Significantly reduce development costs
• Iterative development: Easily refine and improve your app as you go

Getting Started with Bolt AI App Development

Before you jump in, there are a few things you need to know to make the most of Bolt AI:

Step 1: Set Up Your Bolt AI Account

Start by creating an account on the Bolt AI platform. While there's a free tier, we recommend opting for a paid plan if you're serious about building a complex app. The $20 monthly plan gives you access to more tokens and advanced features like the 'diffs' preview, which can save you time and resources in the long run.

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with the Interface

Take some time to explore the Bolt AI interface. It's designed to be intuitive, but understanding its layout and features will help you work more efficiently.

Step 3: Enable Feature Previews

Don't forget to enable feature previews like 'diffs' in your settings. These can significantly enhance your development experience and help you iterate faster.

Building Your First App with Bolt AI: A Recipe Tracking App Tutorial

Let's walk through the process of creating a recipe tracking app using Bolt AI. This practical example will showcase the platform's capabilities and give you a hands-on understanding of how to build apps with Bolt AI.

Step 1: Write Your Initial Prompt

Start by describing your app idea. Be as specific as possible about the features you want. For our recipe app, we might say:

"Create a recipe tracking app where users can add and view recipes. Include a main page listing all recipes and individual pages for each recipe. The design should be modern and sleek."

Step 2: Enhance Your Prompt

Use Bolt AI's enhance prompt feature to add more detail to your initial description. This might include specifics about search functionality, recipe card layouts, or user interface elements.

Step 3: Generate and Refine

Let Bolt AI generate the first version of your app. Review what it creates and use the chat interface to request changes or additions.

For example, you might ask to add a search bar to filter recipes, improve the recipe card design with more visual elements, include user ratings and reviews for each recipe, implement a meal planning feature, or create a shopping list generator based on selected recipes.

You can also request refinements to the user interface, such as adjusting the color scheme, modifying the layout for better readability, or adding animations for a more engaging experience.

Don't hesitate to ask for functionality enhancements like ingredient substitution suggestions, cooking timer integration, or the ability to scale recipe portions.

The goal is to iterate and refine until you have an app that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Debugging and Enhancing Your Bolt AI App

As with any development process, you'll likely encounter issues that need fixing. Here's how to troubleshoot effectively:

Step 1: Identify Rendering Issues

If elements aren't displaying correctly, use the browser's developer tools to inspect the problematic areas.

Step 2: Communicate Problems Clearly

When reporting issues to Bolt AI, be specific. Use screenshots and detailed descriptions to help the AI understand the problem.

Step 3: Implement Design Changes

Request design improvements, such as adjusting button visibility or adding custom filters for cooking time.

Integrating a Backend Database with Supabase

To make your app truly functional, you'll need to connect it to a backend database. Bolt AI makes this process straightforward with Supabase integration:

Step 1: Connect to Supabase

Use the one-click integration to connect Bolt AI to your Supabase account.

Step 2: Create Database Schemas

Let Bolt AI generate the necessary database schemas for your app.

Step 3: Implement Authentication

Add user authentication to secure your app and personalize the user experience.

Step 4: Troubleshoot Connection Issues

If you encounter database connection problems, use Bolt AI's chat interface to describe the issue and get assistance in resolving it.

Advanced Bolt AI Techniques for App Development

As you become more comfortable with Bolt AI, explore these advanced features to streamline your development process:

• Use the Target file feature to focus changes on specific files
• Lock files to prevent AI from making unwanted changes
• Switch between diff and original feature previews for different perspectives on your code
• Handle persistent errors by rewriting problematic code sections

Deploying Your Bolt AI App

Deploying your Bolt.new app means making it accessible to users on the internet by uploading your code to a hosting platform.

This is a simple process so let's break it down step-by-step:

Step 1: Use the Built-in Deploy Button

​Bolt AI provides a streamlined deployment process with a convenient one-click option. This feature automatically builds your application and prepares it for deployment, handling all the necessary steps behind the scenes. The one-click deploy functionality takes care of compiling your code, optimizing assets, configuring server environments, and setting up any required dependencies.​

Step 2: Deploy to Netlify

​Deploying your app to Netlify offers numerous advantages for hosting and managing your web applications. Netlify provides a seamless integration with popular version control systems like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket, allowing for automatic deployments whenever you push changes to your repository.​

Step 3: Add a Custom Domain

For a professional touch, add your own domain to your deployed app through Netlify's settings. Having your own domain also gives you more control.

Want to learn more about Bolt?

Here's more on using Bolt. Watch the playlist here:

Building apps with Bolt AI opens up a world of possibilities for creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses looking to bring their ideas to life quickly and efficiently. By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to creating functional, attractive apps without the need for extensive coding knowledge.

Ready to take your app development skills to the next level? Sign up for No Code MBA at https://nocode.mba/sign-up and unlock a wealth of resources to help you master no-code tools and build amazing projects.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How does Bolt AI compare to traditional coding methods?

Bolt AI significantly speeds up the development process by generating code based on natural language prompts. While it may not offer the same level of customization as traditional coding, it's an excellent option for rapid prototyping and building MVPs.

Can I use Bolt AI for complex applications?

Yes, Bolt AI can handle complex applications, especially when combined with backend services like Superbase. However, for highly specialized or intricate features, you might need to supplement with custom code.

Is Bolt AI suitable for beginners with no coding experience?

Absolutely! Bolt AI is designed to be accessible to users with little to no coding experience. Its natural language interface makes it easy for anyone to start building apps.

How accurate is the code generated by Bolt AI?

Bolt AI generates functional code, but like any AI tool, it may sometimes produce errors or misinterpret prompts. It's important to review and test the generated code thoroughly.

Can I integrate other APIs or services with a Bolt AI app?

Yes, you can integrate various APIs and services with your Bolt AI app. The platform supports connections to many popular services, and you can request integrations through the chat interface. For more advanced integrations, you might want to explore OpenAI API endpoints and how to connect them with no-code apps.