Vibe GuideBETA

Explore project types when the direction is unclear, then put the chosen direction into the project brief.

PROJECT TYPES

What kind of product to build?

Compare user entry, installation needs and essential capabilities. Validate uncertain requirements before choosing.

Project types, in plain language

The same idea can take different forms. The differences are where it opens, whether it needs installation, and the required preparation.

Still unsure? Start with four questions
  1. Where are the users: phone, computer or an existing platform?
  2. Can a link complete the task, or does installation add essential value?
  3. Which file, device or background capabilities are essential? Validate them first.
  4. Are target devices, accounts, budget and upkeep available?

If several forms fit, start with the one that reaches real users with verified essential capabilities. One-off file work may only need a script, not a full application.

the-idea.site
A personal portfolio
Start here →
INTERFACE EXAMPLE
Use through a link

Websites & web apps

The idea, one link away.

Users complete the task through a link, without installing first.

Does this form fit your project? Check these four points
Which projects fit this form?
Portfolios, reference sites, forms, calculators, bookings and team tools whose main work fits a browser and benefits from link sharing.
What should be ready before you start building?
Builders validating an idea for phone and desktop users without installation friction, willing to check screen sizes and maintain needed hosting/data services. Beginners can start with one small flow.
Which projects should consider a different form?
Projects requiring system control, sustained background work or extensive local-file operations beyond the target browser’s capabilities. Offline use, a camera or a home-screen icon alone does not rule out a PWA; test the actual browsers.
Which missing prerequisites should you resolve first?
Builders who require system features but will not check browser limits, or expect shared data without arranging data services, access rules and upkeep.
Check fit and next steps
Mini programs
Event information & sign-up
Start here →
INTERFACE EXAMPLE
One platform first

Mini programs

Build where the users already are.

Users already gather on a platform and use the service inside it.

Does this form fit your project? Check these four points
Which projects fit this form?
Sign-ups, bookings and member services with an existing audience on WeChat, Alipay or Douyin, when the platform supports the required features and account eligibility.
What should be ready before you start building?
Builders who can choose one platform, reach its real users, and check account eligibility, permissions, review and release requirements.
Which projects should consider a different form?
Projects needing a universal link across unrelated platforms, or capabilities unavailable on the chosen platform. Code and eligibility are not automatically portable between platforms.
Which missing prerequisites should you resolve first?
Builders without a known platform audience or required account eligibility, or who cannot accept platform review and constraints. Resolve these before implementation.
Check fit and next steps
Mobile apps
A daily journal
Start here →
INTERFACE EXAMPLE
Check devices and distribution

Mobile apps

Turn a good idea into an everyday app.

Phone-first use benefits meaningfully from an installed app.

Does this form fit your project? Check these four points
Which projects fit this form?
Frequently used phone tools needing substantial device integration or complex mobile interaction, such as field capture or offline workflows. First check whether a mobile website already suffices.
What should be ready before you start building?
Builders with a real target phone who can start with one OS and handle packaging, permissions, distribution and update tests. A previous website is not required; a suitable local or cloud build setup is.
Which projects should consider a different form?
Small content displays, one-off forms and occasional link-driven use where installation adds more burden than value; test a mobile website first.
Which missing prerequisites should you resolve first?
Builders without a target device or testing route, unwilling to handle permissions/installations, or needing immediate public delivery without distribution prerequisites.
Check fit and next steps
Desktop apps
A file-organizing assistant
Start here →
INTERFACE EXAMPLE
Check the target OS and installation

Desktop apps

Make a tool for repetitive tasks.

Work happens on a computer and needs local files or system capabilities.

Does this form fit your project? Check these four points
Which projects fit this form?
Batch file organization, media processing, local search and offline desktop work where installation provides useful file access or system integration beyond a browser solution.
What should be ready before you start building?
Builders who can choose one OS, test on it, and handle installation, permissions, upgrades and recovery. One OS is easier to verify than three at once.
Which projects should consider a different form?
Projects for occasional phone use, shared work without local integration, or users who cannot install software. A simple batch task may need only a script rather than a complete desktop UI.
Which missing prerequisites should you resolve first?
Builders lacking the target OS for testing, unable to support installation/updates, or planning destructive batch work on originals without preview, backup and recovery.
Check fit and next steps

Compare the options

ProjectWhen is this a suitable choice?Where will users open the finished project?
Websites & web appsNeeds link sharing and browser accessA shareable website
Mini programsPeople with an existing platform audienceAn entry point inside the platform
Mobile appsCan test installation and updates on a target phoneAn app that works on a real phone
Desktop appsRepeated tasks on the computerA tool other people can install

Find the starting point

Module shortcuts

What people build · AI revenue research · 50 ideas · GitHubComplete roadmap · idea to releaseWrite down the ideaI only know I want a websitePrepare a project briefUnsure how to describe the first flowOpen an AI tool that can edit filesInstallation, sign-in, or the screen differsCreate a folder for the projectDocuments or the folder is missingOpen that folder in the AI toolAI names a different projectCreate Git history and project instructionsCommit fails or asks for identityInspect a file AI actually createdPrevious files are missingAnswer one question at a timeAI asks about unfamiliar technical termsChoose only this version’s essentialsReducing scope left only a pictureKeep the agreement in plain languageThe document is too long to reviewDescribe how people will use itAI lists features without a user flowReview a key screen before buildingThe prototype may use simulated behaviorLet AI choose from actual conditionsI do not know local versus shared storageAsk AI for the next small taskThe first task just says “build frontend”Check the runtime and start the projectInstallation or startup failsOpen the first page of the projectThe preview will not openAdjust this page onlyA visual edit changed other behaviorMake Save retain real contentCannot save, or records vanish on refreshFinish the whole flow onceThe button responds but nothing happensTry blank input and repeated clicksBlank or duplicate records appearReopen it after stoppingThe address fails the next dayCheck it against the original ideaAI says done, but I cannot use itRecord the trial feedbackThe issue happens intermittentlyPlan the fix and its passing checksAI starts fixing without a planFix according to plan and hand back for retestingThe same action still fails after a claimed fixChoose: personal use or sharingThe shared local link does not openAssess readiness for deliveryReadiness is claimed without evidencePrepare and try the deliverableInstaller or deployed application failsApprove delivery and verify the real entryIt opens locally but not for othersOptional: publish a simple page on GitHub PagesThe public URL returns 404Continue next time without starting overAI wants to start over in a new chatChoose a tool · Codex Claude Cursor Qoder TRAE Kimi pricingHomeProject typesTalking to agents · prompts and troubleshootingChoosing a stackFrontend & UI · component dictionaryGlossary · AI and development · examples and diagramsOpen the tool and verify project accessPrepare the project, version history, and AI rulesDescribe the intended interface styleHelp AI change exactly one targetBackend: storage and accessTesting: check that it worksDeployment: deliver a real entry pointMaintenance: keep the product usableWebsites & web apps · The idea, one link away.Mini programs · Build where the users already are.Mobile apps · Turn a good idea into an everyday app.Desktop apps · Make a tool for repetitive tasks.

A practical guide for beginners

This bilingual practical guide has 6 stages, 18 milestones and 31 actions. App illustrations are examples; users verify their own project results.