Overview
Build web apps by chatting in your browser
AI app builders turn a description into a working web app, right in your browser. In this section, you'll learn what they are, when to use them, and how to go from an idea to a live link.
What is an AI app builder?
An AI app builder is like a kitchen with a chef who cooks while you watch. You say what you want, the chef cooks, and you taste it right away. If it needs more salt, you just say so.
- It writes a complete web app from your description
- It shows a live preview, a working version of the app inside the page
- It keeps a version history, so you can go back
- It can connect to GitHub and publish your app to a web address
Building this way is often called vibe coding. Vibe coding means you describe what you want in plain English, check the result, and ask for changes. The AI does the hands-on coding.
Popular AI app builders
Three well-known builders are Lovable, Bolt, and v0. They work in a very similar way, so the skills you learn in one carry over to the others.
| Feature | Lovable | Bolt | v0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live preview | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chat to make changes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connect to GitHub | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Publish to a link | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Lovable | StackBlitz | Vercel |
Features and free limits change often, so check each tool's website before you choose.
When to use which tool
You now know three kinds of AI tools. Each one fits a different job:
- AI chat tools (ChatGPT Canvas, Claude Artifacts, Gemini Canvas) are great for small, single-page tools you use yourself, like a quick calculator or a planner.
- AI app builders (Lovable, Bolt, v0) are great for a real web app with several screens that you want to save on GitHub and share with a link.
- AI coding agents (like Claude Code) work inside a project folder on your computer. They fit bigger apps with a database, logins, and payments, where you want full control.
For example, a habit tracker or a recipe collection is a good fit for an app builder. A full online shop with accounts and checkout is usually easier with a coding agent.
The four stages
Whatever you build, the process looks the same:
What you'll learn
How to use this section
Read the pages in order and try the steps with an idea of your own. Before you start, have these ready:
- A free account with an AI app builder (for example, sign up at
lovable.dev) - A GitHub account (see GitHub setup)
- A small app idea and a short spec (see Writing a PRD)
Practice
Try these exercises to lock in what you just learned.
What's next?
Let's turn a short spec into a working app in Building an app.