Features
- Generate full-stack apps from natural language
- In-browser development environment (WebContainers)
- Live preview with instant updates
- One-click deployment to various platforms
Pros
- Fastest way to go from idea to working app
- Full-stack capability including backend and database
- No local setup needed, everything runs in browser
Cons
- Generated code may need significant cleanup
- Limited control over architecture decisions
- Browser-based environment has constraints
Overview
Bolt (bolt.new) is an AI-powered development tool that generates full-stack web applications from natural language descriptions. Built on StackBlitz’s WebContainers technology, it runs a complete development environment in your browser, including Node.js, package management, and a dev server.
Unlike v0 which focuses on UI components, Bolt generates entire applications including frontend, backend, database schemas, and API routes. You describe your application, and Bolt creates the project structure, installs dependencies, writes the code, and gives you a live preview, all within the browser.
The tool supports iterative development: you can ask for changes, add features, and fix issues through conversation, with Bolt modifying the code and updating the preview in real time.
When to Use
Use Bolt for rapid prototyping of full-stack applications, hackathon projects, and proof-of-concepts. It is the fastest path from idea to working application when you need both frontend and backend functionality.
Getting Started
1. Visit bolt.new
2. Describe the application you want to build
3. Watch as Bolt generates the full project
4. Iterate with follow-up instructions
5. Deploy or download the code