Google recently unveiled Firebase Studio, a new AI app builder that's taking aim at competitors like Bolt and Lovable. 

It has gained a lot of hype since it's release and it more indication of where app development is going.

But is it worth the attention it's getting?

In this post, we'll walk you through our experience building a Spanish learning app using Firebase Studio, highlighting both its strengths and current limitations, and whether it can compete with tools such as Lovable.​

Getting Started with Firebase Studio AI App Prototyping

When you first land on the Firebase Studio prototype page, you're greeted with a familiar interface reminiscent of other AI app builders. The platform offers pre-generated app ideas, but we decided to test its capabilities with our own prompt: "An app that gives Spanish learners feedback on their writing."

One standout feature of Firebase Studio is its app blueprint functionality. This blueprint is divided into two key sections: Features and Style Guidelines. The Features section outlines the core components of your app, while Style Guidelines cover elements like color schemes, layout, typography, and iconography.

Editing the App Blueprint with Firebase Studio

Firebase Studio's AI-powered app blueprint impressed us. When we requested a color scheme change to match the Spanish flag, the system quickly adapted the palette. This level of responsiveness to natural language inputs is a significant advantage for non-technical users.

After finalizing our initial design choices, we moved on to prototyping. The process was straightforward, with Firebase Studio generating an initial app layout based on our specifications. While the first iteration was basic, it included all the essential elements we requested: a text input area for Spanish writing and a feedback display section.

Integrating Gemini API for App Functionality

To bring our Spanish learning app to life, we needed to integrate the Gemini API. Firebase Studio made this process relatively painless. After a quick page refresh, we were able to autogenerate an API key and update it within the system. This step is crucial for enabling the AI-powered feedback functionality in our app.

Testing the App

With the Gemini API integrated, we put our app to the test. We input an intentionally incorrect Spanish sentence to see how the app would respond. The feedback mechanism worked as intended, providing corrections and explanations in both Spanish and English.

All of this took just a few minutes to get to this stage. The API integration is easy when auto-generating a key. However, there are challenges if this doesn't work first time and the box disappears.

All great so far. However, the design is very basic and there isn't any other functionality with the app.

Now it's time to make changes.

Beyond the Initial Build: Limitations and Debugging

When we attempted to improve the app's design using general AI prompts, we encountered some challenges.

We simply asked: "Could you improve the design?"

Instead of asking us what to do or coming up with a blueprint, it simply added a sidebar and nothing else. This made the design worse.

We could rollback changes, however we would have to enter our API code in again. The AI-suggested changes didn't always enhance the user experience, and in some cases, they made the layout worse.

Next, we asked it to include authentication. It built this out quickly, however this is what happened:

Two things happened here:

• There was an error with the authentication that wasn't able to be fixed
• The signup box took over the original design

This is where most people would give up and move on to another tool. 

These hurdles highlight the importance of having more granular control over the app-building process, especially when it comes to debugging and iterative improvements.

Firebase Studio vs Bolt and Lovable

While Firebase Studio shows promise, it's worth comparing it to established players like Bolt and Lovable.

Firebase Studio's app blueprint feature and intuitive AI-driven design process are standout features. However, its current limitations in debugging and feature additions might give seasoned developers pause.

The Future of Firebase Studio AI App Builder

Despite its current limitations, Firebase Studio demonstrates significant potential. Its strong start in prototyping and initial design stages suggests that with further development, it could become a powerful tool in the AI app building space.

As Firebase Studio evolves, we expect to see improvements in areas like:

• More robust debugging tools
• Enhanced feature addition capabilities
• Improved AI responsiveness to complex design requests
• Better integration with other Google services

For now, Firebase Studio is an intriguing option for those looking to quickly prototype app ideas. However, for more complex projects, tools like Webflow or Bubble might still be more suitable.

Have you tried Firebase Studio or other AI app builders? We'd love to hear about your experiences. And if you're looking to expand your no-code development skills, check out our comprehensive courses at No Code MBA. Sign up now to start building powerful apps without writing a single line of code!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Firebase Studio?

Firebase Studio is Google's new AI-powered app builder, designed to compete with platforms like Bolt and Lovable. It allows users to create app prototypes using natural language prompts and AI-generated designs.

How does Firebase Studio compare to other AI app builders?

Firebase Studio offers a unique app blueprint feature and intuitive AI-driven design process. However, it currently has some limitations in debugging and adding complex features compared to more established platforms.

Can I build a fully functional app with Firebase Studio?

While Firebase Studio is great for prototyping, building a fully functional app might still require additional tools or coding knowledge, especially for more complex features.

Do I need coding experience to use Firebase Studio?

Firebase Studio is designed to be user-friendly for non-coders. However, some coding knowledge might be helpful for troubleshooting or implementing more advanced features.

Is Firebase Studio suitable for professional app development?

Currently, Firebase Studio is best suited for rapid prototyping and simple app designs. For professional, complex app development, other tools might be more appropriate.