How to build a new app from scratch using Pythagora V1
TLDRThis video provides a step-by-step guide on how to build an application using Pythagora V1, a recently launched tool. It starts by explaining how to install the Pythagora extension in VS Code, then walks through creating a new app, naming the project, and providing detailed instructions to describe the app’s functionality. The video emphasizes the importance of fleshing out the project description for the AI. It demonstrates how Pythagora automates much of the development process, including adding features and testing, making it easier for users to build applications without writing code manually.
Takeaways
- 🛠️ First, install the Pythagora extension in VS Code to begin building an app.
- 💡 After installation, name your project (e.g., 'Community Tracker') and provide detailed app descriptions to guide the AI.
- 📝 Include as much detail as possible in your project description: app purpose, functionality, styling, error handling, and future feature plans.
- 🤖 You can use AI tools like Pythagora Chat, ChatGPT, or Claude to help flesh out your project description and ensure clarity.
- ⚙️ Pythagora automates much of the coding process, like adding files, implementing features, and executing tasks, such as creating a modal for adding platforms.
- 👀 The app-building process includes reviewing tasks, editing if needed, and confirming whether Pythagora should proceed with each task.
- 🖥️ Pythagora allows you to test your app locally via VS Code or command line (npm start) and provides detailed testing instructions for each task.
- 🔍 Make sure to check both the front-end and back-end for errors by inspecting logs and browser developer tools.
- ✔️ If everything works without issues, confirm the task completion; if not, you can report bugs or request changes before moving to the next step.
- 🚀 Pythagora also gives you opportunities to add future features or make changes even after initial tasks and epics are completed.
Q & A
What is Pythagora V1 and how is it used in building an app?
-Pythagora V1 is a tool that helps developers build applications by automating many parts of the development process. It interacts with users through a chat interface, where it guides them step-by-step through the creation of the app, handles backend tasks like setting up templates, installing packages, and writing code, without requiring the user to manually write much code.
What are the first steps to begin building an app with Pythagora V1?
-To start building an app with Pythagora V1, you need to have the Pythagora extension installed in VS Code. After setup, you click on 'Create a new app' and provide the name of your project. Pythagora will then ask for a detailed project description, which should include all the functionalities and features you want in the app.
Why is it important to provide detailed instructions to Pythagora when describing the app?
-Providing detailed instructions helps Pythagora understand the full scope of the application. This includes specifics like the app's functionality, design, workflows, API endpoints, and error handling. The more details provided, the better Pythagora can generate the appropriate code and structure for the application.
How does Pythagora assist with project documentation?
-Pythagora can automatically generate detailed documentation, including a README file for the application. This documentation can include how to run and test the app, any API details, and future development notes. This saves the developer time and ensures that the project is well-documented.
What are the testing instructions Pythagora provides after building an app feature?
-After completing a task, Pythagora provides testing instructions to ensure that the implemented feature works correctly. This includes steps like starting the application, checking the UI elements (e.g., buttons and modals), ensuring no errors are thrown, and verifying that the app interacts correctly with the database.
How can you run the app created by Pythagora locally?
-You can run the app locally either by navigating to the command line and using the 'npm start' command, or by clicking the rocket ship icon in VS Code, which starts the application and displays server logs. The app runs on localhost at port 3000, where you can access and test it.
What happens when you confirm that everything works correctly after testing a feature?
-Once you've confirmed that the feature works correctly, Pythagora will mark the task as complete and move on to the next task in the development process. If any errors occur during testing, you can report the issue, and Pythagora will stop running the app to make the necessary adjustments.
Can you make changes to tasks suggested by Pythagora during the development process?
-Yes, you can edit or modify tasks suggested by Pythagora. For example, you can change the name of a button or alter task instructions. Pythagora provides the option to skip, edit, or accept tasks, depending on the developer's preferences.
What does the 'Make a Change' option do in Pythagora?
-The 'Make a Change' option allows you to modify the application even if there are no errors. This is useful if you want to adjust certain features, workflows, or designs during the development process before moving on to the next task.
What is the role of epics and tasks in Pythagora’s development process?
-Pythagora organizes the development process into epics and tasks. Each epic represents a major feature or section of the app, while tasks are smaller steps within those epics that need to be completed. Pythagora tracks progress through these tasks and prompts the user to test and confirm functionality at each step.
Outlines
🚀 Introduction to Building a Pythagora Application
The video begins by introducing the topic of building an application using Pythagora, a new tool that recently launched. It walks through the initial steps of setting up the project in VS Code, ensuring the Pythagora extension is installed, and starting a new app called 'Communities Tracker.' This app is designed to track interactions across social media platforms. The user is guided to submit the project name and provide a detailed project description, outlining how the app will function. The importance of clearly explaining the project’s workflow, UI details, and other specifications to the LLM is emphasized. The paragraph also suggests using AI tools like ChatGPT to help refine project descriptions.
💻 Watching Pythagora Build the App
This section shows Pythagora beginning the development process, with a step-by-step demonstration of how the app is being built in VS Code. The user can view progress in the 'Stream' tab, where Pythagora shows different tasks and agents working on the app. It introduces a specific task to add a button labeled 'Add Platform' on the homepage, which will trigger a modal window. The user can choose to accept or edit these tasks and sees the real-time code creation, highlighting the flexibility of Pythagora in customizing elements.
🛠 Running the Application and Testing
After Pythagora finishes building the app, the user is instructed to run the application. There are two options: either via npm start from the command line or by clicking a rocket ship icon in the VS Code interface. The user follows the instructions to check that the app is running on localhost:3000 and tests the newly created 'Add Platform' button and modal. The section explains how to observe errors in the console or server logs, ensuring the application works as intended before confirming the completion of this task.
⚙️ Adding New Features to the App
Here, the focus shifts to implementing the next task, which involves adding a new platform to the database through the modal created earlier. The user allows Pythagora to continue development, which involves adding and updating code files in real-time. This process is visible in VS Code, showing how new files are generated and existing ones are updated. The video outlines the progression through development milestones, which are tracked as part of the overall process. The section also reassures users that additional features can be added later, even if they weren't included in the initial project description.
📊 Finalizing and Testing the Application
The final section highlights how Pythagora manages the start and stop functionality of the app during testing and development. Once a task is complete, Pythagora stops the app to update the codebase and prompts the user to restart the app for further testing. The user is advised to keep checking the logs for errors. The video concludes by encouraging users to reach out via Discord or email with feedback or questions, mentioning various ways to stay connected, including documentation resources, Discord, and social media. The tutorial wraps up with a final message encouraging users to keep coding and enjoy building with Pythagora.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Pythagora V1
💡VSS Code
💡Community Tracker
💡Pythagora Chat
💡Initial Project Description
💡Bootstrap
💡Modal
💡Testing Instructions
💡Task Execution
💡Server Logs
Highlights
Introduction to building an application using Pythagora V1, starting with VS Code setup.
Ensure the Pythagora extension is installed in VS Code to access Pythagora Chat and Side Bar.
First step in app creation: provide the project name and description in detail for the LLM to understand.
Example project: 'Community Tracker' to track interactions across social media channels.
Providing detailed instructions, including deployment, authentication, and styling preferences, is crucial.
Use Bootstrap and modern CSS for styling; specify no need for user accounts or login for local deployment.
Pythagora helps automate app building by installing necessary packages like Node, Express, and Mongoose.
Confirm each task step-by-step, such as adding a button or opening a modal, and testing the functionality.
Testing process includes starting the app, navigating to localhost, and checking button and modal behavior.
Watch server logs and console for errors during development, ensuring the application runs smoothly.
Tasks can be edited before execution, such as changing button text or adjusting functionality.
After confirming each task is completed correctly, move on to the next task or make modifications as needed.
Pythagora tracks development progress through tasks and epics, giving you control over the workflow.
Errors or bugs can be reported with logs, or additional features can be added as the app evolves.
Pythagora automates development but allows user customization and detailed control over the build process.