Today we're putting Replit Agent V2 to the test.

We'll see how it stacks up against competitors like Bolt and Lovable in creating a recipe tracking app from scratch. Let's dive into this review and find out if it's the update we've been waiting for.

Getting Started with Replit Agent and the Initial Prompt

To kick things off, I gave Replit a simple prompt: build a recipe tracking app for entering and browsing recipes. The AI agent quickly analyzed the requirements and proposed a plan. It even provided time estimates - 2 minutes for a visual preview and 10 minutes for the first app version.

One cool feature of Replit is its checkpoint system. As the AI works, it creates checkpoints that you can roll back to if needed. Plus, you get to watch the app and UI develop in real-time, which is a nice touch compared to just staring at code.

AI-Powered App Development in Action vs Bolt and Lovable

As the AI agent worked its magic, I noticed some key differences between Replit Agent and tools like Lovable or Bolt.

Replit seems to take a more autonomous approach, trying to build and verify as much as possible before letting you test the product. This means fewer back-and-forth iterations, but it also results in a longer initial build time.

Debugging and Error Handling

One impressive aspect of Replit's AI agent is its ability to detect and debug errors independently. When it encountered issues, it would work on fixing them without requiring my input. This autonomous error handling is a promising feature.

Testing the Recipe Tracking App

Once the initial build was complete, it was time to put our new app through its paces. Here's what I found:

• Adding recipes worked after some initial hiccups
• Search functionality performed well
• Recipe editing feature was successfully implemented

While there were a few bumps along the way, such as form validation issues and image upload errors, the AI agent was able to resolve most problems with minimal guidance.

Implementing Dark Mode Design

To test Replit's ability to handle design changes, I requested a switch to dark mode. This is where things got a bit tricky. While the AI successfully changed the app to dark mode, there were some issues:

• We lost our previously added recipes
• The overall design quality decreased
• The add recipe page looked particularly unappealing

This experience highlighted some limitations in Replit's current capabilities when it comes to design iterations and data persistence.

Replit vs Bolt vs Lovable: The Verdict

After thoroughly testing Replit's AI app builder, here's how it compares to competitors like Bolt and Lovable:

Strengths of Replit's AI-Powered Development

• Autonomous error detection and debugging
• Real-time visual preview of app development
• Checkpoint system for easy rollbacks

Areas for Improvement

• Slower development speed compared to competitors
• Inconsistent results with design changes
• Data persistence issues

While Replit shows promise, it's not quite ready to overtake Bolt or Lovable in the AI app builder space, in my opinon. The longer development times and inconsistent results make it less appealing for rapid prototyping and iteration.

The Future of AI-Powered App Development

Despite its current limitations, Repleit's approach to AI-powered app development is intriguing. As the technology improves, we may see faster development times and more consistent results. The autonomous error handling and debugging features are particularly promising and could be game-changers in the no-code development world.

For now, if you're looking to build apps quickly and efficiently, tools like Bolt and Lovable might be better options. However, it's worth keeping an eye on Replit as it continues to evolve and improve its AI capabilities.

​Learn more about Bolt and Lovable here:​

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Replit Agent AI app builder?

Replit AI app builder is a tool that uses artificial intelligence to create applications based on user prompts. It aims to automate much of the app development process, including coding and debugging.

How does Replit compare to other AI app builders like Bolt and Lovable?

While Replit shows promise with features like autonomous error handling, it currently lags behind Bolt and Lovable in terms of development speed and consistency of results. However, it's a rapidly evolving technology that may improve over time.

What are the main advantages of using Replit AI app builder?

The main advantages include autonomous error detection and debugging, real-time visual previews of app development, and a checkpoint system for easy rollbacks.

What are the limitations of Replit AI app builder?

Current limitations include slower development speed compared to competitors, inconsistent results with design changes, and some issues with data persistence.

Is Replit suitable for beginners in app development?

While Replit aims to simplify app development, its current limitations might make it challenging for complete beginners. Tools like Bolt or Lovable might be more user-friendly for those just starting out in no-code development.