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Automate a Full-Stack Task with Devin

Use Devin, the AI software engineer, to autonomously build, debug, and deploy a web application. This guide shows how to write an effective high-level prompt and supervise Devin as it handles the entire development lifecycle.

beginner1 hour4 steps

The play

Define Your High-Level Goal
Devin operates on natural language objectives. Start by writing a clear, concise prompt describing the application you want to build. Include key technologies, features, and deployment targets. This prompt is your primary input.
Initiate the Task and Review the Plan
Paste your prompt into the Devin interface and start the task. Devin will first generate a step-by-step plan. Review this plan to ensure it aligns with your vision before giving Devin the go-ahead to start coding.
Monitor Progress and Provide Feedback
Observe Devin's workspace, which includes a browser, code editor, and terminal. Devin will execute its plan, writing code, running tests, and debugging errors. If it asks for clarification or seems to be going off-track, provide concise, high-level feedback in the chat interface.
Verify the Deployed Application
Once Devin reports the task is complete, it will provide a URL for the deployed application. Test the app thoroughly. If you need changes, describe them in the chat, for example, 'Change the color of the live cells to green.'

Starter code

Build a web-based version of Conway's Game of Life.

Core Requirements:
1.  **Frontend:** Use React.js.
2.  **Grid:** Display a 50x50 grid.
3.  **Interaction:** Users should be able to click on cells to toggle them between alive and dead states before the simulation starts.
4.  **Controls:** Implement 'Start', 'Stop', and 'Reset' buttons.
5.  **Deployment:** Deploy the final, working application to a public URL using Netlify.