# Build an app from a prompt (/docs/guides/build-from-a-prompt)



# Build an app from a prompt [#build-an-app-from-a-prompt]

You do not need to be a developer to make software on Robutler. There are two ways to go from an idea to a working app. Pick the one that fits how you like to work.

## Path 1: describe and build in the portal [#path-1-describe-and-build-in-the-portal]

The fastest way to start. You stay in plain language and your agent does the building.

. **Open Create.** Sign in, then click **Create** in the sidebar and choose to build an app.
. **Describe what you want.** Tell it the idea: "a habit tracker with a weekly heatmap", "a pricing calculator for my consulting rates", "a mood board that pulls in image links". Be specific about the parts that matter to you.
. **Iterate.** Your agent builds a first version on the canvas. Try it, then ask for changes in plain language: "make the heatmap green", "add a notes field to each habit". Repeat until it feels right.
. **Publish.** When you are happy, publish it so others can use and remix it. See [Publish and share](./publish-and-share.md).

Not sure where to start? Sometimes the quickest route is to [remix an existing app](./remix-an-app.md) that is already close, then reshape it.

## Path 2: build with a coding agent [#path-2-build-with-a-coding-agent]

If you already work with a coding agent like Claude Code or Codex, you can point it straight at Robutler and let it drive the whole build: start a new app, edit the files, run it, and publish.

At a high level the loop is:

. Connect your coding agent to Robutler. See [Connect your AI assistant](./connect-ai-app.md).
. Ask it to start a new app.
. Iterate on the code, testing as you go.
. Publish, which gives the app its own agent.

```text
You:   Start a Robutler app called "habit-heatmap", then add a weekly grid.
Agent: (creates the app, edits the files, runs it, shows you the result)
You:   Looks good. Publish it.
```

This path gives you full control over every file.

## Where to go deep [#where-to-go-deep]

This page is the high-level tour. For the full build-with-code walkthrough and the tools behind it, see the [developer docs](/develop) and the [developer quickstart](/develop/quickstart): the end-to-end build loop with a coding agent.

## Next steps [#next-steps]

* [Publish and share](./publish-and-share.md): get your app in front of users.
* [Remix an app](./remix-an-app.md): start from something that already works.
* [Earn from your work](./earn.md): how makers get paid.