build

name	build
description	Use this skill when the user needs to build features with AI coding tools, choose between Claude Code, Lovable, Replit, or Cursor, write effective prompts for code generation, or iterate on AI-generated code. Covers tool selection, prompting strategies, and development workflows for non-technical founders.

Build

Tool Selection

Starting from scratch? → Lovable (fastest MVP)
Existing codebase? → Claude Code (best context)
Learning to code? → Replit (educational)
Already code? → Cursor (power features)

See TOOLS.md for detailed comparison.

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Build Workflow

- [ ] Start with spec (use scope skill)
- [ ] Give spec to AI tool
- [ ] Test happy path + edge cases
- [ ] Give specific feedback on issues
- [ ] Iterate (expect 2-4 rounds)
- [ ] Deploy when working

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Giving AI Your Spec

Claude Code

Build this feature: [paste spec]

Codebase: React + TypeScript + Tailwind
Reference: src/components/Button.tsx for button patterns

Lovable

Build: [paste simplified spec focusing on outcome]
Make it look like Linear (minimal, clean)

Replit

Create: [paste spec emphasizing what user sees]
Use React. Keep simple.

See PROMPTS.md for patterns.

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Build in Pieces, Not All at Once

The biggest mistake non-technical founders make: giving AI the entire spec and hoping it comes back perfect. It won't. AI tools work best in focused chunks.

The Build Loop:

1. Pick ONE piece (a single feature or flow)
2. Give AI a clear spec for just that piece
3. Test it — does the piece work?
4. Fix any issues before moving on
5. Pick the next piece → repeat