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🧩 Front-End First vs Back-to-Front Which One Should You Use on Lovable.dev (and Why Most Beginners Get It Wrong) Before you start building, Lovable.dev gives you two ways to approach your app: Front-End First Back-to-Front Both are valid. But choosing the wrong one can waste hours or completely break your app. Here’s how to make the right choice every time. Option 1: Front-End First (Best for Beginners) This means: You build the interface first — all the buttons, layouts, pages, and fake data. You connect the database later (Supabase). 🟢 Why this is powerful: You can design, test, and click around before any complex logic is added No risk of database bugs early on It’s faster and simpler — perfect if you’re not technical ✅ Use this if: You want to test a layout or idea fast You don’t know how your data will be structured yet You just want to “see it work” before making it real 🧠 Think of it like this: You're building the stage and props before plugging in the electricity. 💡 What to ask Lovable: > “Build a homepage with a list of journal entries (use mock data). Each entry has a date, mood icon, and short note. I’ll connect to a database later.” > “Let me preview the layout first. Don’t connect to Supabase yet.” Option 2: Back-to-Front (Best for Advanced Users) This means: You start by connecting to Supabase right away. Every page, form, and button is linked to real data from the start. 🔴 Why it’s risky: Errors are more likely (especially Supabase permission bugs) Slower to test layouts — every little change might need database tweaks More moving parts at once (hard to debug) ✅ Use this if: You already know your database structure (tables, relationships, etc) You’re okay dealing with SQL-like errors You’re building something serious or production-ready from Day 1 🧠 Think of it like this: You're wiring the whole house while you're still moving the furniture. 💡 What to ask Lovable: > “Connect this project to Supabase from the start. Set up a ‘Habits’ table with user_id, habit_name, and completion_status. Build forms and logic for real-time updates.” The Best Strategy? Start with Option 1, Switch Later This is what most experienced builders do: 1. Start Front-End First 2. Design the layout and flow using mock data 3. Once happy, say: > “Now connect this screen to Supabase. Use real user data and update the state accordingly.” This lets you: Focus on one thing at a time Avoid early bugs Keep momentum Summary Approach Best For Risk Level Recommended? Front-End First Beginners, fast tests Low ✅ Start here Back-to-Front Pros, complex logic High ⚠️ Only if experienced 📌 Save this post before your next build. Choosing the right approach = 80% fewer headaches. 🔜 Next Post: The Goldilocks Formula for Vibecoding