In the world of no-code, low-code, and AI-assisted development, there are now more tools than ever to help you get started — even if you're not a full-time developer.
This guide breaks down four modern tools—V0, Lovable.dev, Cursor, and Replit—to help you understand when and why to use each one, and what level of technical understanding you need to make the most of them.
Best for: Designers or product thinkers who want to build beautiful UIs fast
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
What it does well:
Why use it: If you have an idea and want to see it live in 30 minutes or less, V0 is a great place to start.
Best for: Makers who want to build fast, clean apps with real databases
Skill level: Beginner to mid-level
What it does well:
Why use it: Lovable is a great “happy medium.” You’re building real functionality with a backend you can learn from.
Best for: Developers or serious learners ready to level up
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
What it does well:
Why use it: Cursor is where you go when you're ready to really understand your tools and workflows.
Best for: Tinkerers, hobbyists, educators
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
What it does well:
Why use it: Replit removes all setup friction—perfect for learning and quick experiments.
| Tool | Learning Curve | Great For | Backend Support | Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V0 | Low | UI prototyping, fast ideas | No | Yes (Vercel) |
| Lovable | Medium | Real apps w/ Supabase | Yes | Yes |
| Cursor | High | Advanced workflows | Yes | Yes |
| Replit | Low | Learning & quick demos | Light | Yes |
One of the goals of The Barefoot Developer movement is to empower people to build with what they have. These tools represent different steps along that journey—from quick MVPs to robust full-stack projects.
Start where you’re comfortable. Experiment. And when you’re ready to level up, the next tool will be waiting for you.
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