Part 1: Building AI-Powered Full Stack Apps Using Cursor: A Beginner's Guide

Cursor

we're embarking on an exciting journey to build AI-powered full stack applications using modern tools and best practices, with a special focus on integrating Cursor into our workflow. We'll be creating a ChatGPT clone with some exciting features, and I'll guide you through each step in a way that's easy to understand, even for beginners.

What Are We Building?

Our project will be a ChatGPT clone with two standout features:

1. Streaming Text Responses: We'll stream AI responses back to the user token by token, replicating the ChatGPT experience.

2. Custom Image Creation: Using advanced AI models, we'll generate custom images based on user inputs.

Additionally, we'll implement a feature to reset the chat, similar to the reset functionality in ChatGPT.

Tools and Technologies

1. Frontend with Next.js, Tailwind CSS, and React

We'll construct the user interface using Next.js, Tailwind CSS, and React. This stack allows us to develop a responsive and visually appealing chatbot interface.

2. Backend with Supabase

For the backend, we'll leverage Supabase, a powerful Backend as a Service solution. Supabase will host our serverless functions to interact with AI models for text and image processing. We'll also use Supabase to store chat messages in a database.

3. Task Management with Taskmaster AI

To keep our AI model focused, we'll use Taskmaster AI. This tool aids in creating Product Requirement Documents (PRD), tasks, and subtasks, ensuring the AI stays on track throughout the development process.

Development Workflow with Cursor

Version Control with Git and GitHub

Version control is a cornerstone of modern software development. We'll use Git and GitHub to manage our code changes. By frequently committing changes, we can easily revert to stable versions when needed.

Here's a quick setup guide:

1. Sign Up for GitHub: If you haven't already, create an account on GitHub.

2. Install Git: Download and install Git on your computer. Verify the installation by typing git --version in your terminal.

3. Configure Git: Set your username and email in Git using:

   git config --global user.name "Your Name"

   git config --global user.email "you@example.com"

4. Clone the Repository: Clone the project repository to your local machine using:

   git clone https://your-repo-link.git

Enhancing Workflow with Cursor

Cursor is a tool that can significantly boost your development workflow. It integrates seamlessly with GitHub to automate commit processes and manage code changes effectively. Here's how you can use Cursor:

1. Open the Repository in Cursor: Navigate to the folder containing your project and open it in Cursor.

2. Automate Commits: Use Cursor to stage, commit, and push your changes to GitHub effortlessly. For example, you can instruct Cursor to commit all changes with a simple command.

Debugging and Community Support

If you encounter any issues, Cursor's agent is there to help debug common problems. For more complex challenges, joining a community, like a Discord server, can provide additional support and resources.

Conclusion

By the end of this project, you'll have a solid understanding of how to build AI-powered applications using modern tools and best practices, with Cursor enhancing your workflow. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this project offers a comprehensive learning experience.

Feel free to dive in, experiment, and start building your dream AI applications. Happy coding!