Learning Timeline
Key Insights
The Flexibility Advantage of Bolt.new
Bolt is more flexible than V0 and Lovable because it provides direct access to the Terminal and File Tree. This allows you to install additional libraries (like Lucide Icons or Framer Motion) and manage state more freely, just like in an actual VS Code environment.
Tips for Using V0 for UI
V0 is extremely powerful for the 'copy-and-paste' phase of components. If you only need a beautiful LinkedIn 'Feed Card' design without worrying about the project's file structure, use V0 for the most polished visual results.
AI Generation Limitations
While AI can generate near-perfect UIs, 'Login' or 'Database' functionalities typically require manual configuration of API keys or Supabase within Lovable/Bolt to be fully functional.
Prompts
LinkedIn Clone Generation Prompt
Target:
Bolt / V0 / Lovable
Create a modern LinkedIn clone using React and Tailwind CSS. Include a sticky navigation bar with search and icons, a left sidebar for user profile summary, a main feed area for posts with 'Like', 'Comment', and 'Share' functionality, and a right sidebar for 'Add to your feed' suggestions. Ensure the layout is responsive and matches the LinkedIn professional blue and white theme.
Step by Step
Building a LinkedIn Prototype with Bolt.new
- Visit the Bolt.new website in your web browser.
- Locate the main text input field that says 'What do you want to build?'.
- Enter a detailed prompt for a LinkedIn clone (refer to the Prompt Card).
- Press the 'Enter' key or click the 'Arrow' icon to start the generation process.
- Watch the left panel (File Explorer) where the AI will begin creating file structures such as 'src/components' and 'src/pages'.
- Check the 'Terminal' panel at the bottom to monitor the automatic installation of dependencies.
- Once finished, click the 'Preview' tab on the right to interact with the completed LinkedIn UI.
- To make changes, type additional instructions in the chatbox on the left (e.g., 'Change the Like button to blue').
Building LinkedIn UI Components with V0.dev
- Go to the v0.dev website.
- Type a prompt focused on LinkedIn's visuals into the chatbox.
- Click the 'Generate' button and wait for the AI to provide three different design variations.
- Select the variation (v1, v2, or v3) that best matches your preference.
- Click on any UI element in the preview to view its specific code.
- Click the 'Copy Code' button at the top right to copy the React/Tailwind code into your project.
Building a LinkedIn Web App with Lovable
- Access the Lovable.dev dashboard (formerly GPT Engineer).
- Click the 'New Project' button and name your project 'LinkedIn Clone'.
- Enter a descriptive prompt into the provided input box.
- Click 'Create' and wait for the AI to build the entire application scaffold.
- Click on the 'Web Preview' tab to see the live, functional application.
- Use the 'Edit' feature to add logic or modify visual styles interactively via chat.
