Learn how to create apps without writing code. This guide shows you how to build a playful cat image generator using Replit’s AI tools.

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What you’ll learn

AI Development

Create apps through natural language conversations

No-Code Building

Build without writing code

Tool Selection

Choose the right AI tool for each task

Deployment

Take your app live in minutes
You’ll need a Replit account and Core subscription to access Agent.

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Start with Agent

1

Open Replit

Head to Replit and sign in. You’ll see the prompt editor where you can instruct Agent.
Replit's AI prompt interface showing where to enter instructions for the Agent
2

Create your prompt

Start with a simple request:
Let's build a cat generator that displays a random image of a cat from the internet 
every time I press a button.
Use the “Improve Prompt” button to add more details to your request.
3

Review the plan

Agent will outline a development plan using Flask and JavaScript. Don’t worry about the technical terms—Agent handles the complexity for you.
Agent's proposed development plan for creating the cat generator application

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Develop iteratively

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Using Agent for major changes

Agent excels at structural changes and core functionality. Try improving the UI: 
Can you change the UI to be more beautiful and playful? Use cat emojis to improve 
the appearance of the app.
Agent interface showing UI improvement suggestions with emoji additions

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Refining with Assistant

Switch to Assistant for targeted improvements. For example, add dark mode: 
Can we add a dark mode to the app with a toggle button to switch between dark 
and light mode?
Preview of code changes made by Assistant for implementing dark mode
Ask Assistant to explain how your app works:
Help me understand the framework this app is built on.
Assistant explaining the application's framework and architecture

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Publish your app

1

Start publishing

Select Publish in the top navigation.
2

Configure

  1. Choose the recommended publishing option
  2. Name your app (e.g., “whisker-wonder”)
  3. Select Publish
3

Go live

Wait 2-3 minutes for publishing. Your app will be available at your-app-name.replit.app.
Step-by-step publishing process showing how to publish the cat generator app

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Best practices

Development tips

  • Start simple and iterate
  • Don’t worry about technical details initially
  • Provide context in prompts

Tool selection

  • Use Agent for broad changes
  • Switch to Assistant for specific improvements
  • Test locally before publishing

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Next steps

Databases

Add data persistence with ReplDB

Cloud Services

Learn about publishing options

Custom Domain

Set up your own domain name

Create a file converter

Build a file conversion app using Agent and Assistant

Create a Slack summarizer

Build a bot that summarizes Slack channels with AI
Want to learn more about Replit’s AI tools? Check out Replit AI.