AI app builders have made "I can\'t code" a much less limiting constraint. Describe what you want in plain English and these tools generate a working full-stack application - database, auth, UI, and all. They\'re not perfect, but for prototypes, internal tools, and simple apps, they\'ve genuinely changed what\'s possible without hiring a developer.
Full-stack capability
Does it generate just the frontend, or does it also set up a database, authentication, and API endpoints? A complete app requires all three. Check what's actually included before assuming.
Code ownership and portability
Can you export the generated code and host it yourself? Or are you locked into the platform? For anything you want to own long-term, exportable code is non-negotiable.
Iteration quality
The first generation is rarely perfect. How well does the tool handle follow-up prompts like "change the layout of the homepage" or "add a user profile page"? Test the iteration loop, not just the initial output.
Complexity ceiling
Where does the tool break down? Some handle simple CRUD apps beautifully but can't manage complex state, real-time features, or custom business logic. Know the limits before you commit a production use case to one platform.
Bolt (by StackBlitz) runs a full dev environment in the browser and is strong for complete apps. Lovable focuses on web apps with Supabase backends. v0 (by Vercel) specializes in React UI components and is best for frontend work rather than full-stack apps. Each has different strengths - match the tool to your use case.
Simple ones, yes. Internal tools, landing pages, and basic SaaS features are well within reach. Apps with complex business logic, strict performance requirements, or regulatory compliance needs still benefit from professional development. The ceiling is rising fast though.
The best tools (Bolt, Lovable) require almost none. Being able to describe your app clearly and having a mental model of how databases and auth work helps you get better results. You don't need to write code, but technical literacy helps you spot when something is wrong.
