How to use Cursor AI build & deploy production app in 20 mins
Science & Technology
Introduction
In this article, we will explore how to leverage Cursor AI, a powerful AI-native code editor, to build and deploy a fully-functional web application in a short amount of time, all without requiring significant programming knowledge. We will guide you through the entire process from project setup to deployment, with a practical example of creating an Emoji generator web application.
Setting Up the Project
To begin, we will utilize popular libraries such as Next.js for our framework and a UI component library like Chaisson, complemented by Tailwind for styling. Start by opening your terminal in Cursor and run the following command:
npx create-next-app@latest
Follow the prompts to set up a new Next.js project—name it Emoji Maker, and choose your desired styling options.
Once the structure has been created, your project folder will be filled with various important files organized logically. The app folder will house your application pages, while the components folder can store reusable UI components.
Building the Application
Instead of diving straight into writing the application code, it’s beneficial to formulate a Product Requirements Document (PRD). This document serves as a roadmap detailing the core functionalities of the application, guiding Cursor on how to execute tasks efficiently.
Create a folder named requirements and add a markdown file called frontend-instructions. Provide a comprehensive overview of the project, feature specifications, and a reference file structure to ensure Cursor knows where to create files.
For our Emoji generator application, we will use a model hosted on Replicate capable of generating emojis based on text prompts. The application will include features for user authentication, emoji generation, display, downloading, and liking.
Implementing Features with Cursor AI
With the foundational structure in place and the requirements specified, you can start interacting with the Cursor Composer. I recommend progressively requesting parts of the application to be built. For instance, you can ask Cursor to create the main page with the specified components.
As you proceed, Cursor will generate the required functionalities and allow you to troubleshoot any errors. Utilize the chat interface for debugging, as it provides more flexibility and clarity than the Composer.
Adding a Backend
For the backend, we will implement user authentication and store generated emojis in a database. We’ll opt for Supabase, a robust solution for setting up databases and authentication quickly. You'll need to create tables for user profiles and emojis, capturing essential details such as user IDs, emoji URLs, and like counts.
Deployment
To deploy your application, Vercel is an ideal choice for Next.js apps. Create an account on Vercel, link it to your GitHub repository, and deploy directly from there. If you encounter errors during deployment, you can utilize Cursor to debug the issues effectively.
Key Features Achieved
- Authentication: Users can sign up and log in using authentication providers.
- Emoji Generation: Users provide prompts to generate emojis dynamically.
- Likes and Downloads: Implement functionalities to like emojis and download images.
- Real-time Database: All generated emojis and interactions are stored effectively in Supabase.
The entire process can lead to a functional application ready to handle user interactions in just around 20 minutes.
Keywords
- Cursor AI
- Next.js
- Emoji generator
- Supabase
- Authentication
- Deployment
- Vercel
- Web application
FAQ
Q1: What is Cursor AI?
A1: Cursor AI is an AI-native code editor that allows users to build applications efficiently without intensive programming knowledge.
Q2: Why use Next.js for web applications?
A2: Next.js is a popular framework built on top of React that enhances web application performance with features like server-side rendering and static site generation.
Q3: How can I deploy my application easily?
A3: You can use Vercel, which is highly compatible with Next.js, to deploy your application effortlessly by connecting it with your GitHub repository.
Q4: Do I need programming knowledge to use Cursor AI?
A4: No, Cursor AI is designed to be user-friendly, enabling individuals with minimal programming experience to build fully functional applications.
Q5: What is Supabase?
A5: Supabase is an open-source back-end service that provides a PostgreSQL database, authentication, and file storage, serving as an alternative to Firebase.