ad
ad

Replit’s AI agent built my entire website (I just watched)

Education

Introduction

In this article, I'll share my experience using Replit's AI agent to create a full accounting website, complete with a blog and an admin section. By the end, you’ll learn whether AI tools like Replit can truly replace traditional website builders such as Webflow.

Getting Started

The project had me design a website for an accounting firm. I envisioned a site with multiple pages, including a contact form for potential clients to reach out. I instructed the AI to ensure a modern and responsive design. After clicking 'Start Building,' Replit's AI informed me that it was currently in early access and would do its best.

Initial Setup

Replit whisked me into a chat box where it began thinking about my input, confirming what it would build, and proposing additional features. I opted to include a blog section but left other suggestions, like a client portal, unchecked. On the right side of the screen, the AI began configuring various elements while generating code on the left side. This unique interface felt like a blend of no-code tools and AI capabilities.

After a brief pause for the AI to complete the initial setup, I observed a basic homepage with multiple pages, including a contact form. I got a prompt to verify if everything was loading correctly, to which I confirmed.

Testing Features

Upon confirmation, the AI requested that I check all pages for accessibility. While most worked fine, I encountered an issue with the contact form, which displayed an error upon submission. This prompted a debugging phase where I reported the problem to the AI. It identified the issue and worked on a fix.

Eventually, the contact form was successfully submitted, but I expressed a desire to get email notifications for new messages. The AI suggested an admin page to view submissions, which I tested and confirmed worked well.

Expanding Functionalities

The AI thereafter began implementing a blog section, allowing me to add new posts. I noticed several features working seamlessly, including creating categories for blog posts and the ability to filter them. However, I realized I could not click into specific blog posts, prompting further development on the AI's end.

Replit then implemented a rollback feature that allowed me to revert to previous stages of the site if necessary, ensuring a safety net for any future changes.

Advancing Design and Features

The AI proactively suggested enhancements without my prompting, such as category filters for the blog. However, I wanted to add a contact form directly onto the homepage and improve its overall design. I requested features like a header image and a more professional color scheme.

While it took some extra time for the AI to apply my design requests, it eventually managed to add the contact form to the homepage. However, I encountered the same error again when testing it, which delayed my overall progress.

Conclusion

With Replit's AI assistance, I successfully developed a functioning website for an accounting firm, equipped with essential features like a contact form, an admin dashboard, and a blog. The AI provided me with a collaborative experience akin to having a team of developers at my disposal. However, the occasional drag in performance and the learning curve around debugging highlighted areas where traditional website builders might still have the edge.

If you're interested in learning more about using AI for coding, I recommend checking out our new course, where we delve deeper into using AI tools like ChatGPT and Replit for building websites and applications.

Be sure to subscribe to our channel for more helpful content, and feel free to leave any questions in the comments below!

Keywords

  • Replit AI agent
  • Website building
  • Accounting firm website
  • Blog section
  • Admin dashboard
  • Contact form
  • Modern design
  • Debugging

FAQ

  1. Can Replit's AI agent replace traditional website builders?

    • Replit's AI provides a unique experience, but traditional builders may be more efficient in certain tasks due to their user-friendly interfaces.

  2. What features can be built using Replit's AI?

    • You can create multi-page websites with contact forms, blogs, and admin sections, among other functionality.

  3. How do I debug issues while using Replit's AI?

    • You can report issues directly to the AI, which will attempt to identify and fix the problem.

  4. Is coding knowledge required to use Replit's AI?

    • No, you only need to communicate what you want in English, as the AI handles the coding for you.