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I Built an App with AI: Here’s What You Need to Know

Picture of Henry Tran By  Henry Tran  ·  2 minute read

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are transforming the way we build software, promising to simplify development and save time. But can they really deliver? Over the weekend, I decided to put one such tool to the test: Lovable.dev, an AI-assisted coding platform. My goal was to build a functioning app based on the BIG 2 card game.

The result was a working prototype that showcased the potential and limitations of AI development. From debugging UI issues to adding AI players to make the game functional, it was a challenging yet insightful experience.

If you are curious about how AI coding tools work and whether they are worth your time, this post covers everything I learned from building an app with Lovable.dev.

What Is Lovable.dev?

Lovable.dev is a platform designed to simplify app development using Artificial Intelligence. It allows users to input detailed prompts, which it converts into functional code. Whether you are a developer looking to save time or a beginner curious about coding, Lovable.dev positions itself as a go-to tool for fast prototyping.

Why I Chose Lovable.dev

  1. Ease of Use: The platform is beginner-friendly and requires minimal coding experience.
  2. Time-Saving: It promises to generate functional prototypes in minutes, significantly reducing development time.
  3. Cost: The free version was enough to experiment with basic app-building features.

By leveraging AI, Lovable.dev aims to democratize app development and make it accessible to everyone.

How I Built an App with Lovable.dev

The process of building an app with Lovable.dev was an exciting experiment in AI-assisted development. Here is a step-by-step look at how it went:

Step 1: Outlining App Requirements

To get started, I provided Lovable.dev with a detailed description of my app idea, including:

  • Gameplay mechanics for the BIG 2 card game.
  • Core features like card interaction and turn management.
  • A functional user interface.

The platform relies on clear and specific prompts, so spending time upfront on detailed requirements paid off.

Step 2: Generating the First Version

Lovable.dev quickly generated a basic prototype. It included:

  • The foundational structure of the game.
  • Basic card interaction mechanics.

However, it was far from complete. Key features such as scoring and advanced rules were missing, requiring manual adjustments.

Step 3: Adding AI Players

Manually controlling all four hands during testing was tedious. To solve this, I added AI players, which significantly improved usability and made debugging faster.

Step 4: Debugging and Refining

Testing revealed some limitations:

  • The app worked only on desktops and had spacing issues in the UI.
  • Not all gameplay rules were implemented.
  • Scoring functionality was missing.

Despite these challenges, iterative improvements made the app functional.

What Worked and What Didn’t

What Worked

  • Quick Prototyping: Lovable.dev saved significant time in building the initial framework.
  • AI Assistance: The platform handled repetitive tasks effectively.
  • AI Players: Adding AI players enhanced the usability of the app.

What Didn’t

  • Incomplete Features: Advanced gameplay rules and scoring were not fully implemented.
  • UI Limitations: The app was desktop-only and had noticeable design flaws.
  • Complex Logic: Handling edge cases and complex interactions required manual coding.

Try the App for Yourself

Want to see how AI-powered development works in action? Check out the app I built with Lovable.dev:

Lessons Learned

  1. AI Tools Are Great for Prototyping: Lovable.dev is excellent for generating quick prototypes and testing ideas.
  2. Human Expertise Is Still Crucial: Complex logic and polished design require manual intervention.
  3. Set Realistic Expectations: AI can save time, but it is not a replacement for hands-on development.

Is Lovable.dev Worth It?

If you are looking to build a basic app or prototype quickly, Lovable.dev is absolutely worth trying. It is a powerful tool for hobbyists, small businesses, and developers looking to streamline early development stages. However, for polished, production-ready apps, human expertise remains essential.

Let’s Build Something Together

Curious about using AI to bring your ideas to life? Schedule a Meeting with Me Here to explore how tools like Lovable.dev can transform your app development process. Whether you are a startup founder, small business owner, or tech enthusiast, I would love to help you get started.