> Source URL: /resources/vibe-coding-platforms.resource # Vibe Coding Platforms for Prototyping + Deployment ## What this guide is These AI-first platforms let you build a working prototype fast by describing what you want in plain language. In this class, we use them early on (especially weeks 1-2) to get a rough version of your project up and running before you move into Cursor for the real build. "Vibe coding" in this class means: - you describe what you want in plain language - the platform generates code and UI - you test, iterate, and publish a working prototype After the prototyping phase, you'll transition to building your project in [Cursor](./cursor.resource.md) with your code on [GitHub](./github-basics.guide.md). Your prototype helps you figure out what to build -- Cursor is where you actually build it. --- ## Quick Picks - Choose **Lovable** if you want fast web app prototyping with simple publishing. - Choose **v0** if you want a Vercel-based web app workflow (great for modern React/Next.js style apps). - Choose **Bolt** if you want prompt-to-app speed and easy `.bolt.host` publishing. - Choose **Replit** if you want a browser coding workspace with AI Agent plus app hosting. --- ## Platform Snapshots ### 1) Lovable Best for: - fast MVP web apps from prompts - students who want quick UI iteration with low setup How publishing works: - publish to a `*.lovable.app` URL - update by publishing again after changes - custom domains are available on paid plans Free-start notes: - free plan includes limited daily/monthly message credits Official docs: - [Lovable Quick Start](https://docs.lovable.dev/introduction/getting-started) - [Publish Your Lovable Project](https://docs.lovable.dev/features/publish) - [Plans and Credits](https://docs.lovable.dev/introduction/plans-and-credits) --- ### 2) v0 (by Vercel) Best for: - web apps you want to deploy to Vercel - teams/students interested in modern full-stack web workflows How publishing works: - one-click publish from v0 to Vercel - each project gets a production URL - later publishes update the same production URL Free-start notes: - v0 has a free tier with usage credits and project limits Official docs: - [What is v0?](https://v0.app/docs) - [Deployments](https://v0.app/docs/deployments) - [Pricing](https://v0.app/docs/pricing) --- ### 3) Bolt Best for: - quick app prototypes from one prompt - students who want built-in hosting with minimal setup How publishing works: - publish to a free `*.bolt.host` URL - no third-party hosting account required for basic publish Free-start notes: - free hosting is available with monthly bandwidth/request limits Official docs: - [Introduction to Bolt](https://support.bolt.new/building/intro-bolt) - [Hosting: Publish Your Project](https://support.bolt.new/cloud/hosting/publish) - [Bolt Cloud Hosting Plans](https://support.bolt.new/cloud/hosting/plans) --- ### 4) Replit Best for: - students who want AI-assisted building plus a full browser coding workspace - prototypes that may grow into full apps with backend/data How publishing works: - starter users can publish one app - free published apps expire after 30 days (you can re-publish) Free-start notes: - free starter includes limited Agent/cloud usage credits Official docs: - [Starter Plan](https://docs.replit.com/billing/plans/starter-plan) - [Publishing Costs](https://docs.replit.com/billing/deployment-pricing) - [Replit Pricing](https://replit.com/pricing) --- ## Pick the Right Tool for Your Project - If your goal is "I need a demo site fast": start with **Lovable** or **Bolt**. - If your goal is "I want a Vercel-style production web app": start with **v0**. - If your goal is "I want coding workspace + AI + hosting in one place": start with **Replit**. --- ## Simple Class Workflow (Any Platform) 1. Paste your elevator pitch and user problem. 2. Ask for a strict MVP with only 3-5 must-have features. 3. Build one feature at a time. 4. Test each feature before adding the next one. 5. Publish and share your URL for feedback. Need help while building? - [Class Discord](https://discord.com/channels/1446963501040926802/1447338288859054121) --- ## Prompt Template You Can Reuse ```text You are my MVP build coach. I am a high school student and a beginner programmer. Use plain language. Define technical words in one sentence. Project idea: Target user: Build me the smallest working MVP with only 3-5 must-have features. Give: 1) feature list 2) build order 3) exact publish steps for this platform 4) quick test checklist before I publish Do not add extra features yet. ``` --- ## Common Mistakes (and Fixes) - **Trying to build too much too fast** Fix: Start with only 3-5 must-have features. - **Prompt is too vague** (example: "make me a sports app") Fix: Include user, problem, core feature, and platform in your first prompt. - **Building many features before testing** Fix: Build one feature at a time and test it before adding the next one. - **Using real secrets in prompts or code** Fix: Never paste API keys, passwords, or private data into your project. - **No limitations note** Fix: Add a short "Known limitations" section so users know what is unfinished. --- ## Before You Publish (Safety Checklist) - Remove API keys, passwords, and private data. - Avoid collecting personal information unless you truly need it. - Test on desktop and phone screen sizes. - Make sure your app clearly explains what it does. - Add a simple "Known limitations" note if features are unfinished. --- ## Notes Since you have limited tokens, think carefully about what you want to build and be as specific as possible. Platform pricing and limits can change quickly. Always check the official pricing/docs pages before committing to a tool. Sources checked: March 10, 2026. --- ## Backlinks The following sources link to this document: - [Vibe Coding Platforms guide](/ai-and-enterainment/weeks/week-2.module.llm.md) - [Vibe Coding Platforms (Prototype + Deploy)](/resources/index.resources.llm.md)