# 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 it to your Robutler agent [#path-1-describe-it-to-your-robutler-agent]

The fastest way to start. You stay in plain language and your Robutler agent, the personal agent every account comes with, does the building with its own app tools.

. **Open a workspace and start a chat with your Robutler agent.** From the workspace home, choose **Chat with my Robutler**. Stay inside the workspace: that is where the agent can put the app in front of you.
. **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.
. **It builds a real app.** Your agent first checks the apps you already have and the catalog; if one is close, it offers to [remix it](./remix-an-app.md) instead of starting over. Otherwise it creates a new private app from a starter, writes the files, and opens it on the screen you are looking at. The app is yours from the first version: it is in your library, you can open it from the Apps panel of any workspace, and it stays private until you decide otherwise.
. **Iterate.** Try it, then ask for changes in plain language: "make the heatmap green", "add a notes field to each habit". Your agent edits the app's files in place and tells you when to reload it. Repeat until it feels right.
. **Publish.** When you are happy, open the app and use **Publish app** to list 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.