How to Use Replit

Getting started with Replit

In this guide, you will learn how to set up your Replit account and create your first application using its AI coding agent. By the end, you'll be able to build, run, and deploy a simple project with ease.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to replit.com.
2. Click on the Sign Up button in the top right corner.
3. You can sign up using your email, GitHub, or Google account. Choose your preferred method and follow the prompts.
4. Once signed in, you’ll be taken to your dashboard. Familiarise yourself with the interface; you’ll see options like Create, My Repls, and Templates.

Step 2: Your first project

1. From the dashboard, click on the + Create button.
2. Select a programming language (e.g., Python or JavaScript) from the dropdown menu.
3. Name your project in the Title field and click Create Repl.
4. In the code editor, type a natural language prompt for the AI, such as “Create a simple calculator that adds two numbers.”
5. Click on the Run button at the top of the editor. The AI will generate code based on your prompt.
6. Review the generated code, make any adjustments if necessary, and click Run again to see it in action.

Step 3: Get better results

• When typing prompts, be specific about what you want. Instead of "create a game", say "create a tic-tac-toe game with a user interface".
• Use the Settings icon (gear icon) in the top right corner of the editor to adjust your environment, such as switching themes or enabling/disabling features.
• Explore the Templates section for pre-made projects to learn from or modify.

Pro tip

Use the AI Suggestions feature by clicking on the lightbulb icon next to your code. This can provide quick fixes or improvements to your code without having to write everything manually.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid vague prompts like "make a website". The AI needs clear instructions to generate useful code, so always specify the features or functionalities you want included.