Getting Started with Bolt.new: Build Apps with AI

Introduction

Bolt.new is revolutionizing the way developers and non-developers alike approach web and mobile app creation. In an era where development speed and efficiency are paramount, Bolt.new emerges as a powerful AI-powered platform that transforms how we build digital products.

What is Bolt.new?

Bolt.new is an AI-powered web and mobile app builder developed by the StackBlitz team. At its core, it's a platform that allows you to create fully functional applications through natural language prompts. Instead of writing code line by line or configuring complex development environments, you simply describe what you want to build, and Bolt.new generates the foundation of your application in seconds.

The platform leverages advanced AI models (specifically integrating Anthropic's Claude) to understand your requirements and translate them into working code. This approach dramatically reduces the time and technical knowledge required to create web and mobile applications.

Core Features and Capabilities

Bolt.new offers a comprehensive set of features designed to streamline the development process:

1. AI-Powered Code Generation: Simply describe your app concept, and Bolt.new will generate the code structure and functionality based on your description.

2. In-Browser Development Environment: A full-featured code editor and runtime environment that requires no installation or configuration.

3. Multi-Framework Support: Build applications using popular frameworks like React, Next.js, Astro, Vue, Svelte, Angular, and more.

4. Mobile App Development: Create mobile applications using Expo, bringing AI-powered development to cross-platform mobile apps.

5. Figma Integration: Import designs directly from Figma and transform them into working code.

6. Built-in Testing: Test your applications in real-time within the same environment.

7. One-Click Deployment: Deploy your applications to the web with Netlify integration, making your projects instantly accessible online.

8. Package Management: Seamlessly integrate npm packages into your projects.

9. Collaborative Features: Work with team members on the same project simultaneously.

10. Supabase Edge Functions Support: Recently added capability for backend functionality.

Who is Bolt.new For?

Bolt.new caters to a diverse audience across the development spectrum:

• Professional Developers: Experienced developers can use Bolt.new to rapidly prototype ideas, generate boilerplate code, and focus on the unique aspects of their applications rather than repetitive setup tasks.

• Startups and Small Teams: Teams with limited resources can accelerate their development process and bring products to market faster.

• Entrepreneurs and Product Managers: Non-technical founders can transform their ideas into working prototypes without extensive coding knowledge.

• Students and Learners: Those learning web development can use Bolt.new to understand how applications are structured and focus on learning specific concepts rather than getting stuck on configuration issues.

• Hobbyists and Side Project Enthusiasts: Anyone with an app idea can quickly bring it to life without the usual technical barriers.

Benefits of Using Bolt.new

The advantages of incorporating Bolt.new into your development workflow are substantial:

1. Dramatically Reduced Development Time: What might take days or weeks with traditional development can be accomplished in minutes or hours with Bolt.new.

2. Lower Technical Barrier to Entry: The natural language interface makes app development accessible to those with limited coding experience.

3. Elimination of Environment Setup: No more wrestling with development environments, dependencies, or configuration files.

4. Focus on Creativity and Problem-Solving: Spend less time on boilerplate code and more time on the unique aspects of your application.

5. Rapid Prototyping: Test ideas quickly without significant investment of time or resources.

6. Seamless Deployment: Move from concept to live application with minimal friction.

7. Learning Opportunity: See how AI interprets requirements and generates code, which can be educational for developers at all levels.

8. Cost Efficiency: Reduce development costs by automating repetitive aspects of the development process.

In the following sections, we'll dive deeper into how Bolt.new works, guide you through creating your first application, and explore advanced features and best practices to maximize your experience with this innovative platform.

Understanding Bolt.new

To fully appreciate the power of Bolt.new, it's important to understand the technology that makes it possible and how it differs from traditional development approaches.

The Technology Behind Bolt.new

Bolt.new combines several cutting-edge technologies to create its seamless development experience:

1. AI Code Generation: At the heart of Bolt.new is its integration with Anthropic's Claude, a sophisticated large language model (LLM) that can understand natural language prompts and generate appropriate code in response. This AI component is what allows you to describe your application in plain English and receive functional code in return.

2. WebContainers: Developed by StackBlitz (the company behind Bolt.new), WebContainers are a groundbreaking technology that enables full Node.js environments to run directly in the browser. This eliminates the need for server-side infrastructure for development and allows for instant startup times.

3. In-Browser IDE: Bolt.new features a full-featured integrated development environment that runs entirely in your web browser, complete with code editing, file management, and terminal access.

4. Real-time Preview: As you make changes to your code, you can see the results instantly in a live preview window, creating a tight feedback loop that accelerates development.

5. Framework Integration: Bolt.new is designed to work with modern web frameworks like React, Next.js, Astro, Vue, and many others, generating code that follows best practices for each framework.

How AI Powers the Development Process

The AI-powered development process in Bolt.new follows these general steps:

1. Prompt Interpretation: When you enter a description of what you want to build, the AI analyzes your prompt to understand your requirements, desired functionality, and preferred frameworks or technologies.

2. Code Generation: Based on its understanding of your prompt, the AI generates a complete application structure, including all necessary files, configurations, and code implementations.

3. Contextual Understanding: As you continue to interact with Bolt.new, the AI maintains context about your project, allowing for iterative improvements and additions based on further prompts.

4. Problem Solving: If you encounter issues or want to add features, you can describe what you need in natural language, and the AI will suggest code changes or additions to address your requirements.

This AI-driven approach fundamentally changes the development workflow from writing code to describing intentions, with the AI handling the implementation details.

Token System and Pricing Model

Bolt.new operates on a token-based system for its AI features:

1. What are Tokens?: Tokens are small units of text that AI models process. For example, the sentence "Build a blog with Astro" would be broken down into several tokens.

2. Token Usage: Every interaction with the AI consumes tokens, including:

   • The input prompt you provide (longer, more detailed prompts use more tokens)
   • The code and explanations generated by the AI

3. Free Tier: Bolt.new offers free daily tokens to get you started with AI-powered features. Once you've used your daily allocation, AI features are paused until the next day.

4. Paid Plans: For more intensive usage, Bolt.new offers paid plans with higher token limits and additional features.

5. Token Efficiency: Being concise and specific in your prompts can help optimize token usage and make the most of your allocation.

The token system is designed to make AI-powered development accessible while providing options for users with more demanding requirements.

Comparison with Traditional Development

To appreciate the value proposition of Bolt.new, it's helpful to compare it with traditional development approaches:

This comparison highlights that while traditional development offers maximum control and customization, Bolt.new excels in speed, accessibility, and reducing the technical barriers to creating functional applications.

In the next section, we'll walk through the process of getting started with Bolt.new and creating your first application.

Getting Started

Getting started with Bolt.new is remarkably straightforward, with no installations or complex setup required. This section will guide you through accessing the platform, understanding its interface, and preparing to build your first application.

Accessing Bolt.new

1. Open Your Web Browser: Bolt.new runs entirely in your web browser, so start by opening your preferred browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge).

2. Navigate to the Official Website: Go to https://bolt.new/ to access the platform.

3. Sign In (Optional): While you can start using Bolt.new immediately without an account, signing in provides benefits like saving your projects and accessing them across devices. You can sign in using GitHub, Google, or other authentication methods provided.

4. Welcome Page: You'll be greeted with a clean, minimalist interface featuring a prompt box asking "What do you want to build?" This is where your journey begins.

Navigating the User Interface

The Bolt.new interface is designed to be intuitive and distraction-free, focusing on what matters most: building your application. Here's a breakdown of the key elements:

1. Prompt Box: The central element on the homepage is a text area where you can describe what you want to build. This is your primary way of communicating with the AI.

2. Template Suggestions: Below the prompt box, you'll find suggested templates like "Start a blog with Astro" or "Create a docs site with Vitepress" that can help you get started quickly.

3. Framework Icons: At the bottom of the page, you'll see icons representing the various frameworks supported by Bolt.new, including React, Next.js, Vue, Angular, and more.

4. Header Navigation: The top of the page contains navigation elements, including sign-in options and access to documentation.

Once you've entered a prompt and the AI generates your application, the interface transforms into a full-featured development environment with several key components:

1. File Explorer: On the left side, you'll find a file explorer showing the directory structure of your application.

2. Code Editor: The central area becomes a code editor where you can view and modify your application's files.

3. Preview Panel: On the right side or in a separate tab, you'll see a live preview of your application that updates as you make changes.

4. Terminal: At the bottom, there's a terminal interface where you can run commands if needed.

5. Toolbar: The top of the editor contains various tools for running your application, deploying it, and accessing additional features.

Key Components and Features

As you begin working with Bolt.new, you'll interact with several key components:

1. AI Prompt System: The natural language interface that allows you to describe what you want to build and receive generated code in response.

2. Code Editor: A full-featured editor with syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and other modern IDE features.

3. File System: A complete file system for your project, allowing you to create, edit, and organize files.

4. Package Management: Built-in npm integration for adding and managing dependencies.

5. Runtime Environment: A Node.js environment running directly in your browser for executing your application.

6. Deployment Tools: One-click deployment options to make your application publicly accessible.

7. Collaboration Features: Tools for sharing your project and working with others.

Account Setup (if required)

While Bolt.new can be used without an account, creating one offers several advantages:

1. Project Persistence: Your projects will be saved and accessible across devices and sessions.

2. Increased Token Allocation: Registered users may receive higher daily token allocations.

3. Collaboration: Account holders can more easily share projects with team members.

4. Deployment Integration: Linking your account with deployment services like Netlify streamlines the publishing process.

To create an account:

1. Click the "Sign In" button in the top-right corner of the Bolt.new homepage.

2. Choose your preferred authentication method (GitHub, Google, etc.).

3. Follow the prompts to complete the authentication process.

4. Once signed in, your account name will appear in the top-right corner, and your projects will be automatically saved.

With an understanding of the Bolt.new interface and your account set up (if desired), you're ready to create your first application, which we'll cover in the next section.

Creating Your First App

Now that you're familiar with Bolt.new and its interface, it's time to create your first application. This section will guide you through the process step-by-step, from describing your app to customizing the generated code.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Simple App

1. Start with a Clear Concept

Before diving in, take a moment to think about what you want to build. Having a clear concept will help you write an effective prompt. For this tutorial, let's create a simple blog application with Astro.

2. Navigate to Bolt.new

Open your web browser and go to https://bolt.new/.

3. Enter Your Prompt

In the central text area that asks "What do you want to build?", enter a description of your application. For our example, you might type:

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Create a simple blog with Astro that has a homepage listing all blog posts, 
individual post pages, and an about page. Include a navigation menu and responsive design.

4. Wait for Generation

After entering your prompt, Bolt.new's AI will process your request. This typically takes a few seconds to a minute, depending on the complexity of your request and current system load.

5. Explore the Generated Project

Once the AI completes its work, you'll be presented with a fully functional development environment containing your generated application. Take some time to explore:

• The file structure in the left sidebar
• The code in the main editor
• The preview of your application (you may need to click "Run" if it doesn't automatically start)

6. Understand What's Been Created

For our Astro blog example, you'll likely see:

• A
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  src

  directory containing your application code
• An
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  astro.config.mjs

  file with Astro configuration
• A
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  public

  directory for static assets
• Component files in
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  src/components

• Page files in
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  src/pages

• Blog post files in
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  src/content/blog

  or similar

7. Make Initial Modifications

Now that you have a working foundation, you can start making changes to personalize your application:

• Update the site title and description
• Modify the navigation links
• Change colors and styling
• Add your own content to the blog posts

Writing Effective Prompts for the AI

The quality of your prompt significantly impacts the quality of the generated code. Here are some tips for writing effective prompts:

Be Specific and Clear

Instead of vague requests like "Make me a website," provide specific details:

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Create a portfolio website for a photographer with a gallery page, 
about page, and contact form. Use a dark theme with large image displays.

Specify Technologies When Relevant

If you have preferences for frameworks or libraries, mention them:

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Build a task management app using React and Tailwind CSS with the ability 
to create, edit, and delete tasks, plus categorize them by priority.

Include Functional Requirements

Clearly state what your application should be able to do:

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Create a recipe sharing website where users can browse recipes by category, 
view detailed instructions, and see ingredient lists. Include a search function.

Mention Design Preferences

If you have specific design ideas, include them:

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Design a minimalist e-commerce product page with a large product image, description, 
pricing, and an add-to-cart button. Use a clean, white background with accent colors.

Request Specific Features

Don't hesitate to ask for particular features you want included:

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Build a weather app that shows current conditions, 5-day forecast, and allows users 
to save favorite locations. Include temperature, humidity, and wind speed data.

Understanding the Generated Code

When Bolt.new generates your application, it creates a complete project structure following best practices for your chosen framework. Here's how to make sense of what's been generated:

Project Structure

Most generated projects follow a standard structure for their framework. For example, an Astro project might include:

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  src/

  : Source code directory
  • Copy

    components/

    : Reusable UI components
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    layouts/

    : Page layout templates
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    pages/

    : Route definitions and page components
  • Copy

    content/

    : Content collections (for blogs, etc.)
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  public/

  : Static assets like images and fonts
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  astro.config.mjs

  : Configuration file
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  package.json

  : Dependencies and scripts

Component Organization

The AI typically organizes components logically, separating concerns and following modern development practices:

• UI components are modular and reusable
• Data fetching is separated from presentation
• Styling follows the conventions of the chosen framework

Code Quality

The generated code generally follows best practices:

• Proper indentation and formatting
• Meaningful variable and function names
• Comments explaining complex logic
• Responsive design principles
• Accessibility considerations

Customizing Your Application

Once you have your generated application, you'll likely want to customize it to meet your specific needs:

Modifying Content

1. Text Content: Find the relevant files (often in
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   src/pages

   or
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   src/content

   ) and update the text.
2. Images: Replace placeholder images in the
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   public

   directory with your own.
3. Metadata: Update titles, descriptions, and other metadata in the appropriate configuration files.

Styling Changes

1. CSS Files: Look for CSS or SCSS files in the project and modify them to change colors, fonts, spacing, etc.
2. Tailwind Configuration: If the project uses Tailwind CSS, you can customize the theme in the
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   tailwind.config.js

   file.
3. Component Styling: Modify component-specific styles to change their appearance.

Adding New Features

1. New Pages: Create new files in the pages directory following the pattern of existing pages.
2. New Components: Add components to the components directory and import them where needed.
3. Additional Functionality: Implement new features by adding the necessary code and integrating it with the existing application.

Example: Customizing Our Astro Blog

For our Astro blog example, here are some specific customizations you might make:

1. Update Site Title: Find the site configuration (often in a layout component or
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   astro.config.mjs

   ) and change the title.
2. Modify Navigation: Locate the navigation component and update the links.
3. Change Theme Colors: Find the CSS variables or Tailwind configuration and update the color values.
4. Add a New Blog Post: Create a new Markdown file in the blog content directory with the appropriate frontmatter.
5. Add a New Page: Create a new
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   .astro

   file in the pages directory for a new section of your site.

By starting with the AI-generated foundation and applying these customizations, you can quickly create a personalized application that meets your specific requirements without having to build everything from scratch.

Testing Your Application

Once you've created your application with Bolt.new and made any desired customizations, it's essential to thoroughly test it to ensure everything works as expected. Bolt.new provides a seamless testing experience with its built-in runtime environment.

Built-in Runtime Environment

One of the most powerful features of Bolt.new is its integrated runtime environment, which allows you to test your application directly in the browser without any additional setup:

1. Instant Execution: When you make changes to your code, Bolt.new automatically rebuilds your application, providing near-instant feedback.

2. No Local Server Required: Unlike traditional development where you'd need to run a local development server, Bolt.new handles this for you behind the scenes.

3. Browser-Based Testing: Your application runs in a sandboxed environment within your browser, eliminating the need for local installations.

4. Terminal Access: For more advanced operations, Bolt.new provides a terminal interface where you can run commands and view logs.

Running Your Application

To run your application in Bolt.new:

1. Automatic Preview: In many cases, Bolt.new will automatically start a preview of your application in the preview pane or tab.

2. Manual Start: If the preview doesn't start automatically, look for a "Run" button in the toolbar and click it.

3. Terminal Command: Alternatively, you can use the terminal at the bottom of the interface to run commands like

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   npm run dev

   or
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   npm start

   , depending on your project's configuration.

4. Preview URL: Once running, your application will be accessible at a URL shown in the terminal or preview tab, typically something like

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   http://localhost:3000

   or similar.

Debugging and Troubleshooting

Even with AI-generated code, you might encounter issues that need debugging. Bolt.new provides several tools to help:

Console Output

1. Browser Console: Open your browser's developer tools (usually F12 or right-click and select "Inspect") to view console output from your application.

2. Terminal Output: The integrated terminal will display build errors, warnings, and other server-side logs.

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Build Errors:

   • Check for syntax errors in your code
   • Verify that all required dependencies are installed
   • Look for mismatched brackets, quotes, or other syntax issues

2. Runtime Errors:

   • Check the browser console for JavaScript errors
   • Verify that your components are properly imported and used
   • Check for undefined variables or properties

3. Styling Issues:

   • Inspect elements using browser developer tools to see which styles are applied
   • Check for CSS specificity issues
   • Verify that your styling imports are correctly configured

4. Data Fetching Problems:

   • Check network requests in the browser developer tools
   • Verify API endpoints and response formats
   • Look for CORS issues if fetching from external APIs

Using AI for Debugging

One unique advantage of Bolt.new is the ability to use AI to help with debugging:

1. Describe the Issue: You can enter a new prompt describing the problem you're encountering.

2. Ask for Fixes: Request specific fixes for issues you've identified.

3. Request Explanations: Ask the AI to explain how certain parts of the code work to better understand the problem.

Making Iterative Improvements

Testing is not just about finding bugs—it's also about improving your application iteratively:

1. Identify Areas for Improvement: As you test, note aspects of your application that could be enhanced.

2. Implement Changes Incrementally: Make small, focused changes and test after each modification.

3. Use AI for Suggestions: Ask Bolt.new for suggestions on how to improve specific features or components.

4. A/B Testing: Create variations of components or layouts to see which works better.

Testing Best Practices

To ensure your Bolt.new application is robust and user-friendly, follow these testing best practices:

1. Test Across Different Viewports: Check how your application looks and functions on different screen sizes by resizing the preview window or using browser developer tools.

2. Test User Flows: Walk through common user journeys to ensure they work smoothly.

3. Validate Forms: If your application includes forms, test them with various inputs, including edge cases.

4. Check Accessibility: Verify that your application is accessible by testing keyboard navigation, color contrast, and screen reader compatibility.

5. Performance Testing: Pay attention to load times and responsiveness, especially for data-heavy applications.

6. Cross-Browser Compatibility: While Bolt.new's preview is typically in your current browser, remember that your deployed application will need to work across different browsers.

By thoroughly testing your application within Bolt.new's environment, you can identify and resolve issues early, ensuring a smoother deployment process and a better user experience for your final product.

Deploying Your App

After creating and testing your application in Bolt.new, the next exciting step is to deploy it to the web so others can access it. Bolt.new makes this process remarkably simple with its integrated deployment options.

Deployment Options

Bolt.new offers several ways to share your application with the world:

1. Netlify Integration: The primary deployment method is through Bolt.new's native integration with Netlify, a popular hosting platform for modern web projects.

2. Export Options: You can export your project as a ZIP file or to GitHub if you prefer to use your own deployment workflow.

3. Temporary Preview URLs: During development, you can share temporary preview URLs for quick feedback before final deployment.

Netlify Integration

Deploying to Netlify through Bolt.new is a streamlined process:

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

Before deploying, ensure your application is working correctly in the preview environment. Make any final adjustments to content, styling, or functionality.

Step 2: Access Deployment Options

Look for the "Deploy" button in the toolbar of the Bolt.new interface. This is typically represented by a rocket icon or explicitly labeled "Deploy."

Step 3: Choose Netlify Deployment

When you click the Deploy button, you'll see options for deployment. Select the Netlify option if it's not already selected by default.

Step 4: Configure Deployment Settings

Depending on your project, you might see configuration options such as:

• Build command (usually pre-configured correctly)
• Publish directory (typically detected automatically)
• Environment variables (if your application requires them)

For most projects generated by Bolt.new, the default settings will work without modification.

Step 5: Initiate Deployment

Click the "Deploy to Netlify" button to start the deployment process. Bolt.new will:

1. Build your application for production
2. Upload the built files to Netlify
3. Configure the necessary settings on Netlify's end

Step 6: Monitor Deployment Progress

You'll see a progress indicator showing the status of your deployment. This typically includes:

• Building the application
• Uploading files
• Configuring the site on Netlify

Step 7: Access Your Deployed Site

Once deployment is complete, you'll receive a URL where your site is live (typically something like

https://your-project-name.netlify.app

Alternative Deployment Methods

While Netlify integration is the most seamless option, Bolt.new supports other deployment workflows:

Exporting to GitHub

If you prefer to use GitHub for version control and potentially integrate with other CI/CD pipelines:

1. Look for an "Export" or "Save to GitHub" option in the interface
2. Connect your GitHub account if prompted
3. Choose a repository name and description
4. Confirm the export

Your project will be pushed to a new or existing GitHub repository, from which you can deploy using various services like Vercel, GitHub Pages, or your preferred hosting provider.

Downloading as a ZIP File

For complete control over your deployment process:

1. Look for a "Download" or "Export as ZIP" option
2. Save the ZIP file to your local machine
3. Extract the contents
4. Deploy using any web hosting service that supports your project's framework

Post-Deployment Considerations

After successfully deploying your application, consider these important next steps:

Custom Domain Setup

The default Netlify subdomain is great for testing, but for production applications, you might want to use a custom domain:

1. Purchase a domain from a domain registrar if you don't already have one
2. In your Netlify dashboard, find your site and go to "Domain settings"
3. Add your custom domain and follow the instructions to configure DNS settings

Continuous Deployment

For ongoing development:

1. If you've connected to GitHub, any changes pushed to your repository can automatically trigger new deployments
2. If you're continuing to work in Bolt.new, you can redeploy using the same process whenever you make significant changes

Analytics and Monitoring

Consider adding:

• Google Analytics or similar tools to track user behavior
• Uptime monitoring to ensure your site remains accessible
• Error tracking to catch any issues that weren't apparent during testing

Performance Optimization

After deployment, test your live site's performance using tools like:

• Google PageSpeed Insights
• Lighthouse
• WebPageTest

These can identify opportunities to further optimize your application for production use.

Sharing Your Application

Once deployed, there are several ways to share your application:

1. Direct Link: Share the URL provided by Netlify (or your custom domain if configured)

2. Social Media: Post links to your application on relevant platforms along with a brief description

3. QR Codes: Generate QR codes linking to your application for easy mobile access or physical marketing materials

4. Embed in Other Sites: For web applications that function as widgets or tools, you might be able to embed them in other websites

By following these deployment steps, your Bolt.new application can go from concept to publicly accessible website or application in minutes rather than hours or days, showcasing the power of AI-assisted development combined with modern deployment pipelines.

Advanced Features

While Bolt.new excels at quickly generating basic applications, it also offers advanced features that can take your projects to the next level. This section explores some of the more powerful capabilities that experienced users can leverage.

Importing from Figma

One of Bolt.new's most impressive features is its ability to transform Figma designs into functional code, bridging the gap between design and development.

How to Import from Figma

1. Prepare Your Figma Design: Ensure your Figma design is well-organized with proper naming conventions for frames and components.

2. Access the Import Feature: On the Bolt.new homepage or within an existing project, look for the "Import from Figma" button.

3. Connect to Figma: If this is your first time using this feature, you'll need to authenticate with your Figma account and grant Bolt.new the necessary permissions.

4. Select Your Design File: Choose the Figma file you want to import.

5. Choose Frames: Select the specific frames or components you want to convert to code.

6. Configure Import Settings: Specify your preferred framework, styling approach (CSS, Tailwind, etc.), and other options.

7. Initiate Import: Start the import process and wait for Bolt.new to generate the code.

Best Practices for Figma Imports

• Use Consistent Naming: Name your Figma layers and components clearly and consistently.
• Group Related Elements: Properly group elements that should be treated as a single component.
• Set Up Component Properties: Define properties in Figma that should be configurable in code.
• Consider Responsive Design: Design with responsiveness in mind to ensure the generated code adapts well to different screen sizes.
• Review and Refine: After import, review the generated code and make necessary adjustments for optimal performance and functionality.

Building Mobile Apps with Expo

Bolt.new extends beyond web applications to mobile development through its integration with Expo, a framework for building React Native applications.

Getting Started with Expo in Bolt.new

1. Select Expo Template: From the Bolt.new homepage, look for the "Build a mobile app with Expo" option or specify in your prompt that you want to create a mobile app with Expo.

2. Describe Your Mobile App: Provide a detailed description of the mobile application you want to build, including features, screens, and functionality.

3. Generate the Project: Bolt.new will create an Expo project structure with the necessary configuration and initial code.

4. Explore the Generated Code: Familiarize yourself with the React Native components and Expo-specific features in your project.

5. Test on Mobile Devices: Use the Expo preview features to test your application on actual devices or emulators.

Key Expo Features Available in Bolt.new

• Cross-Platform Components: Access to React Native components that work on both iOS and Android.
• Device APIs: Utilize device features like camera, location, and notifications.
• Expo SDK: Leverage the extensive Expo SDK for additional functionality.
• Styling with React Native: Apply mobile-specific styling approaches.
• Navigation: Implement screen navigation using React Navigation or similar libraries.

Using Different Frameworks

Bolt.new supports a wide range of modern web frameworks, allowing you to choose the best tool for your specific project needs.

Available Frameworks

• React: For building interactive user interfaces with a component-based approach.
• Next.js: React framework with server-side rendering and additional features.
• Astro: Static site builder with a focus on content-driven websites.
• Vue.js: Progressive JavaScript framework for building UIs.
• Svelte: Compiler-based framework that writes minimal runtime code.
• Angular: Comprehensive framework for building complex applications.
• Vitepress: Static site generator optimized for documentation sites.
• Nuxt.js: Vue framework with server-side rendering capabilities.
• Qwik: Framework focused on instant loading and interactivity.
• Remix: React framework with a focus on web fundamentals and nested routing.

Specifying Your Framework

To use a specific framework:

1. Direct Selection: Click on the framework icon on the Bolt.new homepage.
2. Template Selection: Choose a template that uses your preferred framework.
3. Prompt Specification: Include the framework name in your prompt, e.g., "Create a portfolio website using Svelte with..."

Framework-Specific Features

Each framework in Bolt.new comes with its specific features and best practices:

• Next.js Projects: Include API routes, server components, and other Next.js-specific features.
• Astro Projects: Leverage content collections, partial hydration, and Markdown support.
• Vue Projects: Utilize the Composition API, Vue Router, and Pinia for state management.
• Svelte Projects: Take advantage of Svelte's reactive declarations and built-in animations.

Integrating with npm Packages

Bolt.new makes it easy to enhance your applications with external packages from the npm ecosystem.

Adding npm Packages

1. Using the Terminal: Access the integrated terminal and run
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   npm install package-name

   .
2. Through AI Prompts: Ask Bolt.new to add specific packages by including them in your prompt.
3. Package.json Editing: Directly edit the package.json file to add dependencies.

Popular Integration Scenarios

• UI Libraries: Integrate component libraries like Material UI, Chakra UI, or Tailwind CSS.
• Data Fetching: Add packages like Axios, SWR, or React Query for efficient data fetching.
• State Management: Incorporate Redux, Zustand, or other state management solutions.
• Authentication: Implement Auth0, NextAuth, or Firebase Authentication.
• Database Connectivity: Connect to databases using packages like Prisma, Mongoose, or Supabase client.

Best Practices for Package Integration

• Minimize Dependencies: Only add packages that provide significant value to avoid bloating your application.
• Check Compatibility: Ensure packages are compatible with your chosen framework and other dependencies.
• Follow Documentation: Refer to package documentation for proper integration steps.
• Update Regularly: Keep dependencies updated to benefit from bug fixes and new features.

Advanced AI Interactions

Beyond basic app generation, you can have more sophisticated interactions with Bolt.new's AI:

Iterative Development

1. Refining Features: Ask the AI to add or modify specific features after the initial generation.
2. Solving Problems: Describe issues you're encountering, and the AI can suggest solutions.
3. Code Explanations: Request explanations of complex parts of the generated code.

Complex Requirements

You can specify more advanced requirements in your prompts:

• Authentication Flows: "Add email and social login authentication with protected routes."
• Data Visualization: "Include interactive charts using D3.js to visualize the provided data."
• API Integration: "Connect to the OpenWeatherMap API and display a 5-day forecast."
• Complex Forms: "Create a multi-step form with validation and conditional fields."

By leveraging these advanced features, you can extend Bolt.new beyond simple applications to create sophisticated, feature-rich projects that meet complex requirements while still benefiting from the speed and efficiency of AI-assisted development.

Best Practices

To get the most out of Bolt.new and create high-quality applications efficiently, it's helpful to follow established best practices. This section covers strategies for effective prompt writing, token optimization, code customization, and showcases successful projects built with Bolt.new.

Writing Effective Prompts

The quality of your prompts directly impacts the quality of the generated code. Here are strategies for crafting effective prompts:

Be Specific and Detailed

Provide clear, specific details about what you want to build:

Copy
Create a real estate listing website with property search functionality, 
detailed property pages showing images and specifications, a contact form 
for inquiries, and a responsive design that works well on mobile devices.

Rather than:

Copy
Make me a real estate website.

Structure Your Prompts Logically

Organize your prompt in a logical sequence:

1. Start with the type of application and primary framework
2. Describe core functionality
3. Specify design requirements
4. Mention any specific technologies or packages
5. Include any special considerations

Example:

Copy
Build a Next.js e-commerce dashboard with:
- User authentication (email/password and Google)
- Product management (add, edit, delete products with image uploads)
- Order tracking and management
- Sales analytics with charts
- Dark/light theme toggle
- Responsive design for all devices
Use Tailwind CSS for styling and Prisma for database interactions.

Use Technical Terminology Appropriately

When you know specific technical terms, use them to guide the AI:

Copy
Create a React application using the Context API for state management, 
with React Router for navigation, and styled-components for styling.

Specify Data Structures

When your application involves data, describe the structure:

Copy
Build a task management app where each task has:
- Title (string)
- Description (text)
- Due date (date)
- Priority (low, medium, high)
- Status (pending, in progress, completed)
- Assigned user (reference to user)

Include User Flows

Describe how users will interact with your application:

Copy
Create a booking application where users can:
1. Browse available time slots
2. Select a service type
3. Choose a preferred staff member
4. Enter their contact information
5. Receive a confirmation email
6. View, reschedule, or cancel their bookings

Token Optimization Strategies

Since Bolt.new operates on a token-based system, optimizing your token usage can help you make the most of your allocation:

Focus on One Task at a Time

Instead of requesting a complete application with all features at once, break it down into stages:

1. First, generate the basic structure and core functionality
2. Then, add specific features one by one
3. Finally, refine the design and user experience

Prioritize Essential Information

Include only the most important details in your initial prompt:

Copy
Create a minimalist blog with Astro featuring a homepage with 
post listings and individual post pages.

After the initial generation, you can add more specific requirements:

Copy
Add a navigation menu, about page, and category filtering to the blog.

Reuse Generated Code

When building similar components or features:

1. Generate one component or feature first
2. Understand the pattern used
3. Duplicate and modify the code manually rather than generating entirely new components

Use External References

Instead of describing complex UI patterns in detail, reference existing patterns:

Copy
Create a product page similar to Amazon's product detail page, with image gallery, 
product information, pricing, and add-to-cart functionality.

Customizing Generated Code Efficiently

Once Bolt.new has generated your application, efficient customization can save time and tokens:

Understand Before Modifying

Before making changes:

1. Take time to understand the structure of the generated code
2. Identify the relationships between components
3. Note any patterns or conventions used

Make Systematic Changes

When customizing:

1. Start with global elements (themes, layouts, navigation)
2. Then modify page-level components
3. Finally, refine individual UI elements

Leverage Component Patterns

When the AI generates a well-structured component:

1. Use it as a template for similar components
2. Maintain consistent naming conventions
3. Preserve the architectural patterns

Incremental Testing

As you customize:

1. Test changes frequently
2. Fix issues as they arise rather than making multiple changes at once
3. Commit working versions before major modifications

Examples of Successful Bolt.new Projects

Learning from successful projects can provide inspiration and practical insights:

Case Study 1: E-commerce Product Showcase

A small business owner used Bolt.new to create a product catalog website:

1. Started with a simple prompt describing the desired layout and functionality
2. Added product filtering and search capabilities
3. Integrated with a payment processor
4. Deployed to a custom domain

Key success factors:

• Clear initial vision
• Incremental feature addition
• Focus on user experience
• Effective use of AI for problem-solving

Case Study 2: Personal Portfolio

A designer with limited coding experience created a portfolio website:

1. Imported designs from Figma
2. Used Bolt.new to generate responsive code
3. Added animations and interactions
4. Integrated a contact form and project showcase

Key success factors:

• Leveraging design skills with Figma integration
• Starting with a clear visual concept
• Focusing on design-to-code accuracy

Case Study 3: Internal Dashboard

A startup team created an internal analytics dashboard:

1. Described the data visualization requirements
2. Specified user roles and permissions
3. Added data filtering and export features
4. Integrated with their existing API

Key success factors:

• Detailed data structure specifications
• Clear user flow descriptions
• Iterative development approach

Case Study 4: Documentation Site

A developer created a documentation site for an open-source project:

1. Used the Vitepress template in Bolt.new
2. Structured content with clear hierarchy
3. Added search functionality and syntax highlighting
4. Implemented versioning for different releases

Key success factors:

• Choosing the right framework for the purpose
• Focusing on content organization
• Prioritizing searchability and usability

By following these best practices and learning from successful examples, you can maximize the effectiveness of Bolt.new for your projects, creating high-quality applications efficiently while making the most of your token allocation.

Limitations and Alternatives

While Bolt.new is a powerful tool that can significantly accelerate the development process, it's important to understand its limitations and be aware of alternative solutions. This section provides a balanced view to help you make informed decisions about when to use Bolt.new and when to consider other approaches.

Understanding Bolt.new's Limitations

Scalability Challenges

Bolt.new excels at creating small to medium-sized applications, but may face challenges with very large, complex projects:

1. Complex Architecture: Applications requiring sophisticated architectural patterns or microservices may need more manual control than Bolt.new provides.

2. Large Codebases: As projects grow beyond a certain size, managing them entirely within Bolt.new can become unwieldy.

3. Team Collaboration: While Bolt.new offers some collaboration features, large teams with established workflows might find traditional development environments more accommodating.

Advanced Customization

There are limits to how much you can customize AI-generated code:

1. Highly Specific Requirements: Very unique or specialized functionality might require significant manual adjustments to the generated code.

2. Custom Algorithms: If your application relies on proprietary algorithms or unusual data processing methods, you may need to implement these manually.

3. Legacy System Integration: Connecting to legacy systems or using uncommon protocols might require workarounds.

Token Limitations

The token-based system has inherent constraints:

1. Daily Limits: Free tier users have a daily token allocation that may be insufficient for intensive development sessions.

2. Complex Prompts: Very detailed prompts consume more tokens, potentially limiting how specific you can be in a single request.

3. Iterative Development: Multiple rounds of refinement can quickly use up your token allocation.

Learning Curve for Effective Prompting

While Bolt.new reduces the coding learning curve, it introduces a different kind of learning curve:

1. Prompt Engineering: Learning to write effective prompts that generate the desired code takes practice.

2. Understanding AI Limitations: Knowing what the AI can and cannot do effectively requires experience.

3. Debugging AI-Generated Code: Troubleshooting issues in AI-generated code sometimes requires understanding both the code and how the AI interprets prompts.

When to Use Bolt.new vs. Traditional Development

Ideal Use Cases for Bolt.new

Bolt.new shines in these scenarios:

1. Rapid Prototyping: When you need to quickly validate an idea or concept.

2. MVPs (Minimum Viable Products): Creating initial versions of products to gather feedback.

3. Personal Projects: Side projects or hobby applications where development speed is prioritized over complete customization.

4. Learning Tool: For those learning web development who want to understand how applications are structured.

5. Simple to Moderately Complex Applications: Websites, blogs, portfolios, simple e-commerce sites, and basic CRUD applications.

6. Time-Sensitive Projects: When deadlines are tight and you need functional results quickly.

When Traditional Development May Be Better

Consider traditional development approaches for:

1. Enterprise-Level Applications: Large-scale systems with complex business logic and high security requirements.

2. Performance-Critical Applications: Systems where every millisecond of performance matters.

3. Highly Specialized Domains: Applications in niche industries with very specific requirements not commonly encountered.

4. Regulatory Compliance: Projects with strict regulatory requirements that need detailed documentation of the development process.

5. Long-Term, Large Team Projects: Applications that will be maintained by large teams over many years.

6. Deep Integration Projects: Systems that need to integrate deeply with existing infrastructure or legacy systems.

Alternative AI-Powered Development Tools

If Bolt.new doesn't meet your specific needs, consider these alternatives:

GitHub Copilot

Strengths:

• Integrates directly with popular code editors
• Works with your existing development environment
• Provides line-by-line suggestions rather than generating entire applications
• No token limitations (subscription-based)

Best for: Developers who want AI assistance while maintaining full control over their code and development environment.

V0 by Vercel

Strengths:

• Specializes in UI generation from prompts
• Strong integration with Next.js ecosystem
• Focus on high-quality, accessible components
• Emphasis on design fidelity

Best for: Front-end developers focused on creating polished user interfaces, particularly within the Next.js ecosystem.

Cursor

Strengths:

• AI-powered code editor with chat interface
• Focuses on helping developers understand and modify existing code
• Strong code explanation capabilities
• Built-in debugging assistance

Best for: Developers working with existing codebases who need help understanding, refactoring, or extending the code.

Replit with Ghostwriter

Strengths:

• Full development environment with AI assistance
• Strong educational focus
• Collaborative features
• Integrated hosting and deployment

Best for: Students, educators, and collaborative teams who want an all-in-one platform with AI assistance.

ChatGPT + Manual Coding

Strengths:

• Maximum flexibility
• No platform lock-in
• Can help with specific coding challenges without generating entire applications
• Useful for learning concepts and debugging

Best for: Developers who want occasional AI assistance while maintaining their preferred development workflow.

Making the Right Choice for Your Project

When deciding between Bolt.new and alternatives, consider these factors:

Project Factors

1. Scope and Complexity: How large and complex is your project?
2. Timeline: How quickly do you need to deliver?
3. Uniqueness: How standard or unique are your requirements?
4. Long-term Maintenance: Who will maintain the code and for how long?

Team Factors

1. Technical Expertise: What is your team's level of development experience?
2. Team Size: How many people will be working on the project?
3. Workflow Preferences: What development tools is your team already comfortable with?

Business Factors

1. Budget: What resources are available for development tools?
2. Strategic Importance: How critical is this project to your business?
3. Intellectual Property Concerns: Are there any concerns about using AI-generated code?

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether Bolt.new is the right tool for your specific project needs, or if another approach would be more suitable.

Remember that these tools are not mutually exclusive—many developers use Bolt.new for rapid prototyping and initial development, then transition to more traditional approaches for refinement and scaling as projects mature.

Additional Resources

To further enhance your learning and mastery of Bolt.new, this section compiles a comprehensive collection of resources. Whether you're looking for official documentation, community support, or in-depth tutorials, these resources will help you expand your knowledge and solve specific challenges.

Official Documentation

The official Bolt.new documentation is the most authoritative source of information:

1. Bolt.new Help Center: The primary documentation hub covering all aspects of using Bolt.new.

2. Bolt.new API Reference: Detailed information about any APIs or integrations available with Bolt.new.

3. StackBlitz Documentation: Since Bolt.new is built by the StackBlitz team, their documentation can provide additional insights into the underlying technology.

4. Bolt.new Release Notes: Stay updated with the latest features, improvements, and bug fixes.

Video Tutorials

Visual learners can benefit from these video resources:

1. Official Bolt.new YouTube Channel: Tutorials and demonstrations directly from the Bolt.new team.

2. The Ultimate Guide to Bolt.new: A comprehensive step-by-step guide to building apps with Bolt.new.

3. Bolt Tutorial for Beginners with the CEO: Learn directly from Eric Simons, the CEO of StackBlitz.

4. Building an App from Scratch with Bolt.new: A full beginner's guide to creating an application.

5. Bolt.new Tutorials & AI App Building Playlist: A collection of tutorials covering various aspects of Bolt.new.

Blog Posts and Articles

For those who prefer reading, these articles provide valuable insights:

1. Bolt.new - AI Web App Builder | Refine: A comprehensive overview of Bolt.new's features and capabilities.

2. Testing Bolt.new: A Web Developer's Review: An honest review from a web developer's perspective.

3. Bolt.new AI Tool: Features, Pricing, And Alternatives: Detailed information about features, pricing, and alternative tools.

4. Bolt AI App Builder: The Ultimate Guide: A comprehensive guide to using Bolt as an AI app builder.

5. Bolt.new: A New AI-Powered Web Development Tool: An analysis of whether Bolt.new lives up to the hype.

Community Resources

Connect with other Bolt.new users and learn from their experiences:

1. Reddit - r/boltnewbuilders: A community of Bolt.new users sharing projects, tips, and solutions.

2. GitHub Discussions: Technical discussions and community support.

3. Discord Community: Join the StackBlitz Discord for real-time discussions and help.

4. Twitter/X - #BoltNew: Follow the hashtag for the latest news, tips, and showcases.

Framework-Specific Resources

Depending on which framework you're using with Bolt.new, these resources can provide additional context:

1. React

   • React Documentation
   • React Patterns and Best Practices

2. Next.js

   • Next.js Documentation
   • Learn Next.js

3. Astro

   • Astro Documentation
   • Astro Blog Template Guide

4. Vue.js

   • Vue.js Documentation
   • Vue Mastery Tutorials

5. Svelte

   • Svelte Documentation
   • Svelte Tutorial

6. Expo (Mobile)

   • Expo Documentation
   • React Native Documentation

AI Prompt Engineering Resources

To improve your ability to write effective prompts for Bolt.new:

1. Prompt Engineering Guide: Learn techniques for crafting effective prompts for AI systems.

2. Anthropic's Claude Documentation: Since Bolt.new uses Claude, understanding its capabilities can help you write better prompts.

3. Effective Prompting for Code Generation: Microsoft's guide to prompting for code generation.

Books and In-depth Learning

For those seeking deeper understanding:

1. "AI-Assisted Development" by various authors: Books on this emerging field can provide broader context.

2. "Modern Web Development": Understanding web development fundamentals can help you better customize and extend Bolt.new-generated applications.

3. "The Pragmatic Programmer": Classic software engineering principles that remain relevant even in the age of AI-assisted development.

Tools and Extensions

Enhance your Bolt.new experience with these complementary tools:

1. Figma: Design your UI before importing to Bolt.new.

2. Netlify: Understand the deployment platform that integrates with Bolt.new.

3. Supabase: An open-source Firebase alternative that works well with Bolt.new applications.

4. Postman: Test APIs that your Bolt.new application might consume.

By leveraging these resources, you can continue to expand your knowledge of Bolt.new and related technologies, solving challenges as they arise and staying updated with the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field.

Conclusion

As we reach the end of this comprehensive guide to Bolt.new, it's worth reflecting on the transformative impact this AI-powered platform is having on web and mobile app development. Let's recap what we've learned and consider what the future might hold for AI in development.

Recap of Bolt.new's Capabilities

Throughout this tutorial, we've explored the many facets of Bolt.new:

1. AI-Powered Development: At its core, Bolt.new leverages advanced AI to transform natural language descriptions into functional code, dramatically reducing the time and technical knowledge required to build applications.

2. Comprehensive Toolset: From the initial code generation to testing and deployment, Bolt.new provides a complete development environment that handles everything from setup to publishing.

3. Framework Flexibility: Whether you prefer React, Next.js, Astro, Vue, or numerous other frameworks, Bolt.new supports your technology of choice.

4. Advanced Features: Beyond basic app generation, Bolt.new offers powerful capabilities like Figma imports, mobile app development with Expo, and seamless integration with npm packages.

5. Deployment Simplicity: With one-click deployment to Netlify, taking your application from concept to live website has never been easier.

6. Accessibility: By lowering the technical barrier to entry, Bolt.new makes web and mobile development accessible to a broader audience, from professional developers to entrepreneurs and hobbyists.

The Future of AI in Web Development

Bolt.new represents the early stages of what promises to be a revolutionary shift in how we approach software development:

1. Evolving AI Capabilities: As the underlying AI models continue to improve, we can expect even more sophisticated code generation, better understanding of complex requirements, and more nuanced implementations.

2. Expanding Ecosystem: The integration of AI into development tools is likely to expand, with specialized tools emerging for different aspects of the development process.

3. Changing Developer Roles: The role of developers may evolve from writing every line of code to becoming prompt engineers, architects, and customizers who guide AI tools to implement their vision.

4. Democratization of Development: As tools like Bolt.new become more powerful and accessible, we'll likely see a broader range of people creating software solutions, potentially leading to more diverse and innovative applications.

5. Focus on Higher-Level Problems: With AI handling more of the implementation details, developers can focus on solving higher-level problems, improving user experience, and addressing unique business challenges.

Next Steps in Your Bolt.new Journey

As you continue to explore and use Bolt.new, consider these next steps:

1. Practice Prompt Engineering: Refine your ability to write clear, effective prompts that generate exactly the code you need.

2. Build Real Projects: Apply what you've learned to create applications that solve real problems or bring your ideas to life.

3. Explore Advanced Features: Dive deeper into Bolt.new's advanced capabilities like Figma integration or Expo mobile development.

4. Join the Community: Connect with other Bolt.new users to share experiences, solutions, and inspiration.

5. Stay Updated: Follow Bolt.new's development to learn about new features and improvements as they're released.

6. Provide Feedback: Contribute to the platform's evolution by providing feedback on your experience and suggesting improvements.

Final Thoughts

Bolt.new represents a significant step forward in the ongoing evolution of web and mobile development tools. By combining the power of AI with a comprehensive development environment, it offers a glimpse into a future where creating software is more accessible, efficient, and focused on solving problems rather than wrestling with implementation details.

Whether you're a seasoned developer looking to accelerate your workflow, an entrepreneur bringing your ideas to life, or someone curious about creating web applications without extensive coding knowledge, Bolt.new provides a powerful platform to turn your vision into reality.

The journey from concept to deployed application has never been shorter or more straightforward. As you apply what you've learned in this guide, you'll discover the freedom and creativity that comes from focusing on what you want to build rather than how to build it.

Welcome to the future of development—where your ideas can come to life at the speed of thought.