Build an MVP in hours, not months – guided by the latest AI coding agents
Transform any app idea into working code through 5 AI-powered stages using the latest 2025 AI models:
| # | Stage | Goal | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Research | Validate market & tech landscape | Research findings |
| 2️⃣ | Define | Clarify product scope | PRD (Product Requirements) |
| 3️⃣ | Design | Decide how to build | Technical Design doc |
| 4️⃣ | Generate AI Agent Instructions | Convert docs into agent blueprints | NOTES.md + agent configs |
| 5️⃣ | Build | Generate & test code | Working MVP |
⚡ The Entire Workflow in 60 Seconds
| Step | What You Do | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📚 | Copy prompts → Answer questions | 20 min | Research doc |
| 📝 | Define your app idea | 15 min | PRD doc |
| 🏗️ | Choose technical approach | 15 min | Tech Design doc |
| 🤖 | Generate AI instructions | 10 min | NOTES.md + agent config |
| 💻 | Tell AI: "Read NOTES.md and build" | 1-3 hrs | Working MVP! |
🤖 AI Platform (Required - Choose One)
- AI Studio ⭐ - Gemini 2.5 Pro free tier with the full 1,048,576-token context (see model details)
- Claude.ai - Claude Sonnet 4.5 with 200K default / 1M beta context (see current versions)
- ChatGPT - GPT-5 via the Responses interface (see OpenAI docs)
- Claude Pro - Sonnet 4.5 with higher rate limits and 1M-token projects (pricing)
- Gemini Advanced - Gemini 2.5 Pro/Flash Ultra access with priority throughput (pricing)
- ChatGPT Plus - GPT-5 and o-series reasoning models with higher allocations (pricing)
💻 AI Coding Agent/IDE (Required - Choose One)
- Claude Code ⭐ - Project-aware CLI with session memory and automated testing (docs)
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code claude init # In your project directory - Gemini CLI - Free & open source with Gemini 2.5 streaming context (docs)
npm install -g @google-gemini/cli gemini login # Connect your Google account - OpenAI CLI - Terminal access to GPT-5 and o-series tool-calling pipelines (docs)
pip install --upgrade openai openai responses.create -m gpt-5 --input "Summarize NOTES.md"
- Jules by Google ⭐ - Vertex AI-connected async agent that executes scoped work packets
- GitHub Copilot Agent - Agentic PR, code review, and deployment prep automation (docs)
- Cursor ⭐ - AI editor with long-term Memory, Auto Debug, and Codebase Q&A (pricing)
- VS Code + Github Copilot ⭐ - Editor with Copilot Agent Mode and inline pair programming (Copilot pricing)
🛠 Basic Requirements
- Any modern browser
- 2-4 hours of time
- Basic computer skills (no coding required!)
- Optional: Node.js 20+ for terminal tools
Validate your idea with AI-powered market research • 20-30 min • Creates research-*.txt
What this does: Analyzes market opportunity, competitors, and technical feasibility using the latest AI models.
How it works:
- Copy the entire
part1-deepresearch.mdfile - Paste into AI Studio (for Gemini 2.5 Pro), Claude.ai (for Claude Sonnet 4.5), or ChatGPT (for GPT-5)
- Answer 5-6 questions tailored to your experience level
- AI generates comprehensive research with:
- Market analysis & size
- Competitor breakdown
- Technical recommendations
- Cost estimates
- Save output as
research-[YourAppName].txt
💡 Pro Tip: Use Gemini 2.5 Pro for better research (1,048,576-token context window).
Define exactly what you're building • 15-20 min • Creates PRD-*.md
What this does: Transforms your idea into clear, actionable product specifications.
How it works:
- Copy
part2-prd-mvp.mdinto a new AI chat - Attach your research findings when prompted
- Answer questions about:
- Core features (3-5 must-haves)
- Target users
- Success metrics
- UI/UX vision
- AI creates professional PRD document
- Save as
PRD-[YourAppName]-MVP.md
Plan the technical architecture • 15-20 min • Creates TechDesign-*.md
What this does: Decides the best tech stack and implementation approach for 2025.
How it works:
- Copy
part3-tech-design-mvp.mdinto a new AI chat - Attach your PRD (required) and research (optional)
- Answer questions about:
- Platform (web/mobile/desktop)
- Complexity tolerance
- Budget constraints
- Timeline
- AI recommends optimal stack from:
- No-code: Bolt.new, Lovable, Bubble
- Low-code: Next.js + Supabase
- Full-code: Your preferred framework
- Save as
TechDesign-[YourAppName]-MVP.md
Create blueprints for your AI coding assistant • 5-10 min • Creates NOTES.md + agent configs
What this does: Converts all docs into step-by-step coding instructions for AI agents.
How it works:
- Copy
part4-notes-for-agent.mdinto a new AI chat - Attach PRD and Technical Design documents
- AI generates:
NOTES.md- Universal instructions- Tool-specific configs (based on your choice):
CLAUDE.mdfor Claude CodeGEMINI.mdfor Gemini CLIAGENTS.mdfor Jules.cursorrulesfor Cursor.windsurfrulesfor Windsurf
- Save all files in your project root
Let AI build your MVP • 1-3 hrs • Creates working application
Terminal Agents (Claude Code, Gemini CLI)
# Claude Code
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
cd your-project
claude init
# Add CLAUDE.md to project root
claude "Read CLAUDE.md and NOTES.md, then build the MVP"
# Gemini CLI
npm install -g @google-gemini/cli
gemini login
# Add GEMINI.md to project root
gemini "Read GEMINI.md and NOTES.md, then implement"IDE Tools (Cursor, Windsurf)
- Open your project folder in the IDE
- Add configuration file:
- Cursor:
.cursorrulesor.cursor/rules.mdc - Windsurf:
.windsurfrules
- Cursor:
- Start with: "Read NOTES.md and build the MVP step by step"
No-Code Platforms (Bolt.new, Lovable)
- Go to platform website
- Paste your PRD content
- Say: "Build this MVP following the specifications"
- Deploy instantly with one click
Starting prompts by experience level:
| Level | First Prompt |
|---|---|
| Beginner | "I'm new to coding. Read NOTES.md and guide me step-by-step to build this MVP. Explain what you're doing." |
| Intermediate | "Read NOTES.md and the docs folder. Build the core features first, test, then add polish." |
| Developer | "Review NOTES.md and architecture. Implement Phase 1 with proper patterns and test coverage." |
Follow-up prompts for all levels:
- "Show me the current progress vs requirements"
- "Test [feature] and fix any issues"
- "Add error handling and edge cases"
- "Generate README with setup instructions"
- "Prepare for deployment to [platform]"
your-app/
├── docs/
│ ├── research-YourApp.txt
│ ├── PRD-YourApp-MVP.md
│ └── TechDesign-YourApp-MVP.md
├── NOTES.md # Universal AI instructions
├── CLAUDE.md # Claude Code config (if using)
├── GEMINI.md # Gemini CLI config (if using)
├── AGENTS.md # Jules config (if using)
├── .cursorrules # Cursor config (if using)
├── .windsurfrules # Windsurf config (if using)
├── README.md # Setup instructions (AI-generated)
├── .env.example # Environment variables
└── src/ # Your application code
Latest AI Models & Capabilities
- Claude Sonnet 4.5 – September 2025 release with 200K default / 1M beta context and top-tier architecture reasoning
- Claude Opus (2025 snapshot) – Handles massive monorepos and multi-hour planning sessions with improved tool use
- Gemini 2.5 Pro – 1,048,576-token input and 65,536-token output windows for deep research and synthesis
- GPT-5 – Responses API with adjustable reasoning effort, faster tool orchestration, and lower latency
- Claude Code - Anthropic's project-aware terminal agent with session memory and automated test orchestration
- Jules - Google's asynchronous coding agent that can work independently across Vertex AI projects
- Gemini CLI - Open-source CLI with direct Gemini 2.5 Pro/Flash access, live context streaming, and MCP integrations
- GitHub Copilot Agent Mode - Workspace automation for scoped plans, PRs, and deployment checklists
- OpenAI CLI (Responses API) - Terminal workflow for GPT-5, o-series reasoning models, and tool-calling pipelines
- Cursor - Adds Codebase Q&A, long-term project Memory, and Auto Debug powered by Claude Sonnet 4.5
- Windsurf - Cascade AI 3.0 with worklog tracking and pair-mode for live coding
- Cline - MCP marketplace runners plus transparent execution summaries in VS Code
- Bolt.new - Instant Next.js/Supabase deployments with scheduled automations and $20M ARR milestone
- Lovable - AI fullstack builder shipping 25k apps daily after €14.3M growth round
Tool Selection Guide
| Persona | Best Tool Stack | Why it fits | What to watch | Setup time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete beginner | Lovable • Bolt.new | Paste your idea, get a hosted app with a domain and database in minutes | Daily credit caps and hosted code mean you should harden it later | 10–30 min |
| Learning hobbyist | Copilot Agent (VS Code) • Cline | Copilot can edit files for you; Cline shows every diff and runs commands on request | Copilot Free has limits and Cline needs your API key setup | 20–45 min |
| Experienced developer | Cursor 2.0 • Windsurf | Cursor plans tasks and runs code in safe terminals; Windsurf handles bigger refactors with its agents | Usage-based credits and a new IDE to learn | 30–60 min |
| Budget-limited builder | Cline • Gemini CLI | Both are free to install, work locally, and can call Gemini 2.5 without paid tiers | Less hand-holding than no-code tools—expect to prompt more | 15–40 min |
| Need-it-today founder | Lovable Agent Mode • Bolt.new (Claude) | Fastest path to a working MVP with dashboards, auth, and analytics baked in | Keep an eye on credit burn and schedule a security/UX review | 15–60 min |
| Mobile-first product team | v0.dev + v0 Mobile • Flutter + Gemini | v0 sketches mobile experiences; Flutter + Gemini in Android Studio builds native quality | v0 mobile features are new and Android Studio tooling is still evolving | 45–120 min |
| Complex logic engineer | Claude Code (web/VS Code) • Windsurf | Claude Sonnet 4.5 keeps huge context in its “memory,” Windsurf’s agents plan multi-file changes | Claude web is still preview and company data rules may restrict it | 30–90 min |
| Security/compliance lead | Cline (client-side) • Copilot Enterprise | All code stays local with Cline, while Copilot Enterprise adds SSO and audit logs | You still need team policies and Copilot request caps may apply | 60–120 min |
| Offline/privacy-focused dev | Gemini CLI (local agent) • Cline + local models | Works from your machine, and you can swap in local models (Ollama/DeepSeek) when needed | Fully offline mode depends on your hardware and chosen model | 30–60 min |
| Open-source maintainer | Cline • Aider | Both tools show diffs, commit for you, and play nicely with Git workflows | Terminal-first experience can feel advanced if Git basics are new | 20–45 min |
Quick Picks (Plain English)
- Need an MVP tonight? Use Lovable or Bolt.new, then plan a follow-up pass for polish and security.
- Working inside an editor? Cursor or Copilot Agent can code for you—open Cline when you want to double-check every change.
- Huge legacy repo? Bring in Claude Code or Windsurf so the agent “remembers” more of your code at once.
- No budget? Stick with Cline + Gemini CLI and the generous free request limits.
- Mobile-first? Preview flows in v0 Mobile or build native screens with Flutter + Gemini’s suggestions.
Pricing Guardrails (Nov 2025)
- Free forever: Gemini Code Assist (6K code reqs/day), Copilot Free (2K completions + 50 chats), Windsurf Free (25 prompts).
- Best under $20: Windsurf Pro $15/mo (500 credits), Copilot Pro $10/mo (Agent Mode), Cursor Pro $20/mo (credit pool + parallel agents).
- Power tiers: Copilot Pro+ $39/mo (1.5K premium calls), Cursor Ultra $200/mo (20× credits), Bolt Pro 200 $200/mo (120M tokens).
MCP Watch
- Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a shared standard that lets your AI talk to extra tools (think CI pipelines, databases, ticket queues).
- Cline, Cursor, Claude Code, and Gemini CLI all plug into MCP, but treat those connections like production credentials.
Caution Flags
- Claude consumer accounts now offer opt-in data sharing; stick to org workspaces or API keys for sensitive repos.
- Replit Agent 3 can run 200-minute autonomous loops—enable guardrails so retries cannot nuke production data.
When Not to Use These Tools
- Native mobile or hardware builds: prefer Flutter + traditional toolchains with AI pairing.
- Regulated workloads needing SOC2/FedRAMP/HIPAA: lean on Copilot Enterprise, Cline with strict policies, or self-hosted stacks.
- Safety-critical or real-time systems: require deterministic, human-led engineering.
- Fundamentals practice: hand-code portions to avoid skipping core concepts.
Common Pitfalls & Solutions
| ❌ Pitfall | ✅ Solution |
|---|---|
| Skipping discovery work | Run the Part I research prompt first so the PRD and tech design aren’t guesses |
| Letting agents ship code alone | Ask agents to show their plan, review the diff, and run tests before anything merges |
| Sticker-shock bills | Check credit dashboards weekly and keep a backup stack (Cline + Gemini) that stays free |
| Publishing auto-generated UIs without checks | Test accessibility, security, and performance before launch day |
| Building sensitive apps with personal accounts | Use business plans or API workspaces, switch off data sharing, and keep secrets in vaults |
| Forcing one tool to do everything | Mix and match (IDE + terminal + builder) so each tool covers what it does best |
Quick Fixes for Common Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| "AI ignores my documents" | Start with: "First read NOTES.md, PRD, and TechDesign. Summarize key requirements before coding." |
| "Code doesn't match PRD" | Say: "Re-read the PRD section on [feature], list acceptance criteria, then refactor accordingly." |
| "AI is overcomplicating" | Add to config: "Prioritize MVP scope. Offer the simplest working implementation before optimizations." |
| "Lost track of progress" | Ask: "Update the NOTES.md progress log and map remaining tasks to implementation phases." |
| "Deployment failing" | Request: "Walk through deployment checklist, verify env vars, then run the platform-specific health command." |
PRs & issues welcome! Help us improve:
- 🐛 Report issues with prompts
- 💡 Share your success stories
- 🔧 Add new tool configurations
- 📚 Submit example MVPs built with this workflow
Released under the MIT License.
The best time to build your idea was yesterday.
The second best time is now. 🚀
Last updated: November 2025 | Created by the vibe-coding community
