Introducing bolt.diy: Revolutionizing Coding with Open-Source Browser-Based Development 🚀

Are you tired of complex development environments, endless installations, and juggling dependencies? What if you could harness advanced development tools directly from your browser, running entirely on your local machine? No servers, no cloud dependencies—just you and your code.

Welcome to bolt.diy , the open-source platform that’s set to transform the way we code.

What is bolt.diy?

bolt.diy is an open-source platform that allows developers to leverage powerful Large Language Models (LLMs) to assist in compiling and developing applications—all running natively in your browser. With a fully functional Integrated Development Environment (IDE) at your fingertips, you can code, compile, and deploy applications seamlessly without the hassle of traditional setups.

Community Contributions from ottodev and Cole Medin

This official release of bolt.diy wouldn’t be possible without the invaluable contributions from ottodev and Cole Medin . Their work on the any-llm branch has significantly expanded bolt.diy’s capabilities, allowing it to support any LLM you prefer to use.

A huge shout-out to them and the entire community for collaborating and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in open-source development!

Why bolt.diy is a Game-Changer

1. Leverage Powerful LLMs

Utilize advanced language models to assist with code suggestions, debugging, and more. Whether you’re using GPT-4, OpenAI’s models, or another LLM, bolt.diy integrates them into your workflow.

2. Native Browser Execution

Run everything locally in your browser. No need for heavy IDEs or remote servers. Your development environment is accessible anytime, anywhere.

3. Fully Functional IDE

Enjoy a smooth, responsive coding experience with our integrated IDE. Syntax highlighting, code completion, and real-time feedback are all built-in.

4. Open-Source and Customizable

Being open-source means you can tailor bolt.diy to fit your specific needs. Contribute to the project, request features, or fork it to create your own version.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Ready to dive in? Follow these steps to get bolt.diy up and running on your machine.

Prerequisites

• Git installed on your system.
• Docker Desktop installed and running.
• An LLM API key for the language model you wish to use (e.g., OpenAI API key).
• For Ollama users: The localhost address of your Ollama installation.

1. Clone the bolt.diy Repository

Open your terminal and run:

git clone https://github.com/stackblitz-labs/bolt.diy.git

This command clones the bolt.diy repository to your local machine.

2. Navigate to the Project Directory

Change into the bolt.diy directory:

cd bolt.diy

4. Create a .env.local File

Bolt.diy requires environment variables to connect with your chosen LLM. Create a .env file in the bolt.diy directory:

touch .env

Open .env in your preferred text editor and add the following lines:

For OpenAI API :

# OpenAI API Key
OPENAI_API_KEY=your_openai_api_key_here

For Ollama LLM :

OLLAMA_API_BASE_URL=http://localhost:11434

change the port number to whichever is being used by your ollama installation on your local machine. If you are planning to use Ollama I recommend installing the qwen model into your local LLM library as it is best for coding activities.

5. Build and Start the Docker Container

In the terminal, run:

npm run dockerbuild 

docker build . --target bolt-ai-development

docker-compose --profile development up

These commands build the Docker image and starts the bolt.diy development container. It may take a few minutes during the first build.

6. Access bolt.diy in Your Browser

Once the Docker container is running, open your web browser and navigate to the local host URL the container is being hosted on (you will also see a link to both the local host URL and IP address url in your terminal when you run this)

Getting Started with bolt.diy

Now that you have bolt.diy up and running, here are some tips to get you started:

• Explore the IDE: Familiarize yourself with the interface. Open a new project, write some code, and see how the LLM assists you.
• Leverage LLM Integration: Use intelligent suggestions and code completions provided by your chosen LLM.
• Customize Settings: Adjust the settings to suit your preferences. You can change themes, font sizes, and more.
• Experiment with Projects: Try running sample projects or creating new ones to see the full capabilities of bolt.diy.
• Join the Community: If you run into issues or have questions, the bolt.diy community is here to help.

Join the bolt.diy Community

Bolt.diy thrives because of its vibrant community. Here’s how you can get involved:

• GitHub Repository: https://github.com/stackblitz-labs/bolt.diy
• Contribute: Submit pull requests, report issues, or request new features.
• Follow the Contributors:
  • ottodev: Thinktank
  • Cole Medin: GitHub Profile Youtube

Conclusion

Bolt.diy is more than just a tool—it’s a movement towards more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable coding. By combining powerful language models with a native browser environment, we’re opening doors for developers of all levels to code smarter and faster.

So why wait? Install bolt.diy today and be part of the future of coding.