(This post is sponsored by Memex - check out Memex here)

Memex claims it can turn anyone into a developer, regardless of coding experience. does this AI coding tool actually deliver on its promise?

We put it to the test by building a complete directory website with Python backend and CMS functionality using nothing but conversational prompts. Let's find out what we discovered but first, what is it that sets Memex apart?

What Sets Memex Apart from Other AI Coding Tools?

Memex is not your average AI coding assistant. It's a powerful tool that can handle complex tasks with ease, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. Here are some key features that make Memex stand out:

• Local development: Memex works on your local machine, giving you more control over your projects.
• Multiple language support: It's not limited to a single programming language or tech stack.
• Automated debugging: Memex proactively identifies and fixes issues in your code.
• Agentic behavior: The AI takes initiative and performs tasks without constant prompting.
• Template-based development: Pre-built templates help you get started quickly and efficiently.

With that in mind, let's build a directory website with Memex and really put it to the test.

Building a Directory Website with Memex: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Setting Up Your Project

To begin, we'll use Memex's "Beautiful React Website" template. This gives us a solid foundation to build upon. Here's how to get started:

1. Open Memex and select the "Beautiful React Website" template.
2. Write a prompt describing your project. For example: "Build a beautiful directory website showcasing coffee shops in New York City, and the design should be Apple level quality."
3. Adjust the settings as needed (code execution, max turns, thinking level, etc.).
4. Click "Build" to start the process.

Step 2: Watching Memex in Action

As Memex works on your project, you'll notice it's doing much more than just writing code.

It's setting up your project structure, installing dependencies, and even creating sample data. This level of automation saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of your project.

Step 3: Reviewing the Initial Output

Once Memex completes the initial build, you'll have a functional website with:

• A hero section with a coffee-themed background
• A list of coffee shops with demo data
• Filtering options by neighborhood
• A responsive, single-page application design

We were impressed with the initial design on Memex. What do you think?

Taking Your Project to the Next Level: Adding a Python Backend

While the initial output is impressive, we can take this project even further by adding a Python backend with CMS management capabilities. Here's how:

Step 1: Prompting Memex for Backend Development

Simply tell Memex: "Now I want to add a Python backend so I can have admin CMS management of the directory." Memex will then start building out a complete backend system using FastAPI.

Step 2: Exploring the Backend Features

Memex will create:

• A database structure
• CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations
• API routes
• An admin interface for managing coffee shops and neighborhoods

You can see what this looks like here below. Having a backend and frontend like this is very impressive.

Step 3: Testing the Full-Stack Application

Once the backend is complete, you can test the entire application. You'll have two local servers running:

• Frontend: Usually on localhost:5173
• Backend: Usually on localhost:8001

You can now add, edit, and delete coffee shops through the admin interface, and see those changes reflected on the frontend in real-time.

Troubleshooting and Debugging with Memex

If you encounter any issues during development, Memex's debugging capabilities come in handy. You can:

• Describe the problem you're facing
• Provide screenshots or error messages
• Ask Memex for solutions or explanations

Memex will analyze the issue and provide suggestions or automatically fix the problem, streamlining your development process.

Next Steps: Deploying and Enhancing Your Project

With your full-stack directory website complete, you can take several steps to further improve and deploy your project:

• Sync your project with GitHub for version control
• Deploy your application using a service like Vercel
• Make design tweaks and add more features to enhance user experience
• Implement user authentication for the admin interface
• Add more complex filtering and search functionality

All-in-all, we are very impressed with Memex. What do you think?

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What programming languages does Memex support?

Memex supports multiple programming languages and tech stacks. In this example, we used React for the frontend and Python (FastAPI) for the backend, but Mex can work with various other languages and frameworks as well.

Do I need coding experience to use Memex?

While coding experience can be helpful, Memex is designed to be user-friendly for both technical and non-technical users. Its ability to understand natural language prompts makes it accessible to beginners.

How does Memex compare to other AI coding tools like GitHub Copilot or ChatGPT?

Memex differentiates itself by offering a more comprehensive development experience. It not only generates code but also sets up project structures, installs dependencies, and even performs debugging tasks automatically. This approach aligns with the evolving landscape of AI tools for businesses.

Can Memex create fully functional applications or just code snippets?

As demonstrated in this post, Memex can create fully functional applications, including both frontend and backend components. It's capable of building complete projects from start to finish, similar to how no-code platforms enable the creation of AI apps.

Is the code generated by Memex customizable?

Yes, the code generated by Memex is fully customizable. You can edit, extend, or refactor the code as needed to fit your specific requirements.

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