The CREAO Vibe Builders' Handbook: Getting Started Guide

This guide will help you to build your first app with CREAO, an AI-powered app development platform. Whether you're new to app building or exploring no-code solutions, you'll learn how to structure your process and iterate toward a successful MVP.

Even with the incredible power of CREAO's AI Build Agent, getting started and maintaining momentum can be challenging at first. One of our in-house Builders shares practical tips and strategies to ensure your first build experience is a successful one.

Before You Build: The Power of Integration

What makes CREAO different? One key differentiator is our integrations. We leverage MCP (Model Context Protocol) and APIs to significantly expand what your web apps can accomplish.

Browse First, Build Second: Before beginning your build, take time to explore our complete list of integrations. This exploration will reveal what's possible and inspire creative ideas for your project.

Consider the possibilities: You could create an app that retrieves your Gmail emails, uses a GPT model to categorize them, and automatically schedules new meetings on your Google or Outlook calendar. https://creao.ai/integration

Need Inspiration? If you're struggling to identify a project, browse the examples in the community. You can use the "Get Inspired Ideas" button. Select a few tools you regularly use, and we'll generate relevant project ideas to help you get started.

Building Your First App: From Idea to MVP

Once you understand CREAO's capabilities, you're ready to begin building. Here's your roadmap for creating your first app:

Start Simple: The most successful apps evolve over time. Adopt a professional approach by beginning with a straightforward prototype. Focus on a few core features first. This allows you to test your central concept and experience how CREAO's AI brings your vision to life. Keep your initial scope manageable while being clear about your app's primary purpose.

Focus on Features, Not Infrastructure: This is crucial to understand for beginner app builders. CREAO handles all the database architecture for you. When writing your prompt, concentrate solely on what your app does and how users will interact with it. There's no need to address database details—simply describe your desired functionality, and we'll manage the technical foundation.

Crafting Your Prompt: You're now ready to write your app description. You can use the output from the "Get Inspired Ideas" tool as a starting point or create your own from scratch. While we're developing our own AI assistant, feel free to use other LLMs to help map out your feature set and refine your app concept in the meantime.

Confirm Your Integrations: After submitting your prompt, the Build Agent will ask you to select the specific integrations your app requires. This is a critical step in the CREAO app building process—only choose the integrations you actually need. This focused selection helps the Build Agent optimize its work and deliver better results.

Review the Plan: Once you've confirmed your integrations, the Build Agent will process your request and present a detailed plan. It will clarify your feature requests and demonstrate exactly how they'll connect to your selected integrations. Take time to review this carefully. If something doesn't align with your vision or you'd like to make adjustments, simply communicate your feedback in the chat. You can refine the plan iteratively with the agent before giving final approval to proceed with the build.

Now You Have an App: Testing and Iteration

Congratulations on completing your first build! It's time to test and iterate on your new app.

Test Thoroughly: Begin by exploring your new app. Do all interactive elements function as expected? Does the user flow feel intuitive? Testing is a crucial part of the app development process.

Encountered an Issue? We work diligently to deliver a polished app on the first attempt, but occasionally a button may be unresponsive or something may not function quite right. If this happens, don't worry—your backend database and core data operations remain intact.

How to Request Fixes: Simply send a follow-up message in the Build Agent chat. A clear, specific message like "The 'Save Profile' button isn't working, please fix it" is perfect. Our code agent will resolve the issue for you quickly.

Missing a Feature? If a feature you requested in your initial prompt wasn't implemented, you can address this as well. Let us know in a follow-up message, and we'll work on incorporating it into your app.

The Path Forward: Iterating Your CREAO App

Begin using your app and invite others to try it as well. Remember, you can continue iterating on your app even after deployment—any updates you make will be reflected for all users. Real-world usage will reveal what needs refinement or addition. This practical testing is the most effective way to keep your app focused and efficient, preventing feature bloat while ensuring it excels at its core purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions About Building with CREAO

How long does it take to build an app with CREAO? Your first simple app can be built in minutes. The AI Build Agent creates a functional prototype quickly, which you can then iterate and refine based on testing.

Do I need coding experience to use CREAO? No. CREAO is designed for beginners and handles all database architecture automatically. Focus on describing what you want your app to do, not how to build it technically.

Can I modify my app after it's built? Yes. CREAO apps are fully iterative. You can request changes, add features, and fix issues through the Build Agent chat even after deployment.

What integrations does CREAO support? CREAO supports a wide range of MCP and API integrations for use in all kinds of use cases like marketing, account management, sales, product management, and more. Browse the full integrations list in your CREAO dashboard before starting your build.

What is an MVP and why should I start with one? An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a version of your app with just enough features to test your core concept. Starting with an MVP helps you validate your idea quickly and iterate based on real user feedback.

Stay tuned to our blog for more installments in our Builder Series. Happy building!

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