Migrating Your Code Between AI Coding Tools: Complete Guide

Best for: Developers who want more control and advanced editing features while keeping rapid prototyping capabilities.

Step 1: Export from Lovable

Lovable uses GitHub integration for code export, requiring a few setup steps:

• Connect GitHub: In your Lovable project, go to Settings and connect your GitHub account if not already connected
• Sync to GitHub: Lovable automatically syncs your code to a GitHub repository
• Clone from GitHub: Use git clone [your-repo-url] to download the project to your local machine
• Verify project structure: Examine the package.json file to ensure all dependencies are correctly listed
• Check configurations: Look for any Lovable-specific configurations or environment variables in the codebase
• Document components: Note the project structure and any custom components Lovable created

Before proceeding, test that your project runs independently:

If you encounter errors, common issues include missing environment variables or path resolution problems that Lovable handled automatically.

Step 2: Set Up Cursor Environment

Cursor offers powerful AI-assisted development, but proper setup is essential:

• Download and install Cursor from cursor.com
• Open the extracted project folder in Cursor using File → Open Folder
• Allow Cursor to index your project files (may take a few minutes)
• Install recommended extensions for your tech stack:

Step 3: Configure AI Assistant and Context

Cursor's AI capabilities need proper configuration to understand your project:

• Enable Cursor's AI features in Settings → Features → AI
• Choose your preferred AI model (GPT-4 recommended for complex projects)
• Configure project rules for Cursor's AI (see options below)

For most users: The .cursorrules file is sufficient and easier to set up. Create it in your project root as a simple markdown file.

Step 4: Test AI Integration and Optimize Workflow

Verify Cursor's AI features work with your migrated code:

• Try AI autocomplete by starting to type common patterns
• Use Cmd+K (Mac) or Ctrl+K (Windows) to chat with AI about specific code sections
• Test AI's understanding by asking it to explain existing components
• Set up Git version control for proper code history
• Configure debugging with breakpoints for complex logic
• Add linting and formatting tools (ESLint, Prettier) if not present

Best for: Developers who want the speed of Lovable with the control of Cursor - using both tools in their workflow instead of choosing between them.

Common Workflows (Not Migration Steps)

Workflow 1: Start in Lovable, Refine in Cursor

When to use: You want to prototype quickly, then add complex features.

1. Generate UI in Lovable: Describe your app and let Lovable create the interface
2. Export to GitHub: Connect Lovable to your GitHub repository
3. Open in Cursor: Clone the repo and open in Cursor
4. Add complexity: Write tests, add advanced logic, optimize performance
5. Push changes: Commit to GitHub - changes sync back to Lovable

Workflow 2: Start in Cursor, Polish in Lovable

When to use: You built the logic first, now need a beautiful UI fast.

1. Build core logic in Cursor: Create your data models, API routes, business logic
2. Push to GitHub: Initialize repo and push your backend code
3. Connect Lovable: Link the same GitHub repo to a new Lovable project
4. Generate UI: Tell Lovable what interface you want around your existing logic
5. Iterate visually: Use Lovable's visual editor to perfect the design

Workflow 3: Parallel Development

When to use: Designer uses Lovable, developer uses Cursor simultaneously.

• Shared repo: Both tools connected to the same GitHub repository
• Branch strategy: Designer works in Lovable on UI branches, dev in Cursor on logic branches
• Merge regularly: Use GitHub to merge UI and logic changes

How Cursor and Lovable Sync

Both tools use GitHub as the single source of truth:

• Lovable: Auto-commits to default branch on every change
• Cursor: Standard Git workflow with manual commits
• Key consideration: Lovable's auto-commit can create noise in Git history

When to Use Each Tool

Real-World Example: Building a Dashboard

Common Pitfalls When Using Both Tools

Best Practices

• Establish clear boundaries: "UI work happens in Lovable, logic in Cursor"
• Commit frequently in Cursor: Don't let changes sit uncommitted
• Use branches: Separate branches for experimental Lovable work
• Communicate with team: If multiple people, coordinate who's using which tool
• Review Lovable changes: Don't blindly merge auto-commits

Best for: Developers who want local development, version control, and more customization options while keeping the rapid prototyping speed of Bolt.

Step 1: Export from Bolt.new

Bolt.new offers multiple convenient export methods to get your code out of the sandboxed environment:

Option 1: GitHub Integration (Recommended)

• Click the "Push to GitHub" or "Connect GitHub" button in your Bolt project
• Authorize Bolt.new to access your GitHub account
• Create a new repository or push to an existing one
• Your code will be automatically committed with proper Git history

Option 2: ZIP Download

• Click the "Download" or "Export" button in your Bolt project
• Download the complete project as a ZIP file
• Extract the ZIP to a local folder on your machine
• Open a terminal in the extracted folder and run ls -la to see all files including hidden ones

Option 3: Direct Deployment

• Use Bolt.new's built-in deployment options to Netlify or Vercel
• Connect your hosting account and deploy directly
• Access the deployed code through your hosting provider's interface
• Clone the repository from your hosting provider to work locally

Step 2: Clean Up and Prepare

Bolt projects often include platform-specific configurations that need adjustment:

• Check package.json for any Bolt-specific dependencies or scripts
• Remove any .bolt or platform-specific configuration files
• Ensure all environment variables are documented in a .env.example file
• Test the project locally with npm install && npm run dev
• Fix any missing dependencies or configuration issues

Step 3: Set Up Version Control

One of Cursor's biggest advantages over Bolt is proper Git integration:

• Initialize a Git repository: git init
• Create a .gitignore file with appropriate entries for your framework
• Make your initial commit: git add . && git commit -m "Initial migration from Bolt.new"
• Consider pushing to GitHub for backup and collaboration

Step 4: Configure Cursor

Set up Cursor to work optimally with your migrated project:

• Open the project folder in Cursor
• Install recommended extensions for your tech stack (React, TypeScript, Tailwind, etc.)
• Configure Cursor's AI settings in preferences
• Create a .cursorrules file or use .cursor/rules directory to provide context about your project architecture
• Test AI autocomplete and chat features with your existing code

Step 5: Optimize for Local Development

Take advantage of local development capabilities that Bolt doesn't offer:

• Set up proper linting with ESLint and Prettier
• Configure debugging breakpoints for complex logic
• Add custom scripts to package.json for common tasks
• Set up hot reloading and development server optimization

Best for: Moving from V0's component-focused approach to a full development environment with advanced AI assistance and project management.

Step 1: Export Components from V0

V0 provides multiple export options for your React components:

• GitHub Export (Recommended): Use V0's built-in GitHub integration to directly export your project to a GitHub repository
• Vercel Deployment: V0 can deploy directly to Vercel with one-click deployment integration
• Manual Copy: Copy each component code from V0's interface for manual setup
• Note any dependencies V0 mentions (like shadcn/ui, Tailwind CSS)
• Save component screenshots or descriptions for reference
• Document the component hierarchy and relationships

Step 2: Set Up Next.js Project in Cursor

Create a proper development environment that matches V0's setup:

• If using GitHub export: Clone the repository V0 created and open it in Cursor
• If creating manually: Create a new Next.js project: npx create-next-app@latest my-project --typescript --tailwind --eslint
• Open the project in Cursor
• Install shadcn/ui if your V0 components use it: npx shadcn-ui@latest init
• Set up the same component structure V0 was using

Step 3: Import and Organize Components

Systematically move your V0 components into the new project:

• Create a components folder with appropriate subdirectories
• Copy each component from V0, ensuring proper imports and exports
• Install any missing dependencies that V0 components require
• Test each component individually to ensure it renders correctly
• Update import paths to match your new project structure

Step 4: Configure Development Environment

Set up the tooling that V0 handled automatically:

• Configure TypeScript settings to match V0's conventions
• Set up proper linting rules for consistent code style
• Add development scripts for common tasks
• Configure hot reloading and development server
• Set up proper error handling and debugging

Step 5: Enhance with Cursor's AI Features

Take advantage of Cursor's capabilities that V0 doesn't provide:

• Use Cursor's AI to help refactor and improve your V0 components
• Add comprehensive TypeScript types to your components
• Implement proper testing with Jest or Vitest
• Set up proper state management if needed (Zustand, Redux, etc.)
• Add accessibility improvements and performance optimizations

Step 6: Build Beyond Components

Expand your project beyond what V0 could generate:

• Add proper routing and navigation
• Implement API routes and backend functionality
• Set up database connections and data fetching
• Add authentication and user management
• Configure deployment and CI/CD pipelines

Best for: Moving from an IDE-based workflow to enhanced AI collaboration with better contextual understanding and conversation-based development.

Step 1: Prepare Your Codebase

• Commit all changes in Cursor to ensure clean state
• Create a comprehensive README.md with project overview
• Document your architecture and key design decisions
• List any complex business logic or edge cases

Step 2: Share Context with Claude Code

• Use Claude Code's file reading capabilities to share your codebase
• Provide project overview and development goals
• Share any specific challenges or areas needing improvement

Step 3: Leverage Claude Code's Strengths

• Use conversation-based development for complex refactoring
• Get architectural advice and code reviews
• Benefit from Claude Code's superior context understanding
• Use Claude Code for documentation generation and testing

Best for: Adding backend functionality, database integration, and leveraging Replit's full-stack development tools with built-in deployment.

Step 1: Export from Lovable

Lovable's GitHub-based export process creates a clean, production-ready codebase that works perfectly with Replit:

• Connect GitHub: Ensure your GitHub account is connected in Lovable project settings
• Access GitHub repo: Navigate to your synced GitHub repository from the Lovable interface
• Download source: Either clone the repository locally or download as ZIP from GitHub
• Verify contents: Confirm all React components, assets, and package.json are included in the codebase
• Review structure: Note Lovable's component organization - typically well-structured React components in a src/ directory
• Document customizations: Make note of any custom styling patterns, state management, or API integrations you've built

Step 2: Set Up Replit Environment

Replit's template system makes importing your Lovable project straightforward:

• Create new Repl: Choose "React" or "Node.js" template based on your project needs
• Upload project files: Drag and drop your extracted Lovable project into the Replit file explorer
• Configure package.json: Replit will automatically detect dependencies and offer to install them
• Set run command: Update the run configuration to match Lovable's build process (usually npm start or npm run dev)
• Test frontend: Click "Run" to verify your Lovable project works correctly in Replit
• Fix any import issues: Adjust any relative imports or asset references if needed

Step 3: Enhance with Replit Features

This is where the migration becomes powerful - adding backend capabilities to your frontend-only Lovable project:

Backend Development:

• Create API routes: Add a server.js or api/ directory for Express.js endpoints
• Proxy configuration: Update your React app to proxy API calls to your new backend
• CORS setup: Configure Cross-Origin Resource Sharing for local development

Database Integration:

• Replit Database: Use Replit's built-in key-value database for simple data storage
• External databases: Connect to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or other databases using Replit's networking
• Data modeling: Design your database schema to support your Lovable components

Environment & Deployment:

• Secrets management: Use Replit's Secrets tab to store API keys, database URLs, and other sensitive data
• Environment variables: Configure different settings for development and production
• Always-on hosting: Enable Replit's always-on feature for production apps
• Custom domains: Connect your own domain name to your Replit deployment

Step 4: Handle Common Migration Issues

Address typical challenges when moving from Lovable to Replit:

• Build errors: Ensure Node.js compatibility and update if needed
• Asset loading: Ensure images and other assets are properly referenced from the public directory
• Styling issues: Verify CSS imports and Tailwind/styled-components configurations
• Component imports: Fix any broken component imports due to file path changes
• API integration: Update any hardcoded URLs to use environment variables

Reality Check: This is one of the most challenging migrations due to Base 44's proprietary backend architecture and severe vendor lock-in.

Step 1: Understand What You're Actually Exporting

Base 44's export limitations mean you're only getting part of your application:

• Frontend Only: The export contains React components and UI code
• Missing Backend: Database, authentication, API endpoints remain on Base 44
• SDK Dependencies: All base44-sdk calls must be replaced
• Data Access: No direct access to your database or backend logic
• GitHub Beta: GitHub export is still in beta, reliability varies

Step 2: Plan Your Backend Replacement

Since Base 44 keeps your backend, you need to rebuild it entirely:

• Choose Backend: Supabase, Firebase, or custom Node.js/Python backend
• Database Design: Recreate your data schema in the new backend
• Authentication: Set up auth system (Auth0, Supabase Auth, etc.)
• API Design: Map out all API endpoints that replace base44-sdk calls
• Data Migration: Plan manual export/import of existing data

Step 3: Replace Base 44 SDK

Every base44-sdk call needs to be rewritten for your new backend:

• Audit SDK Usage: Find all instances of base44-sdk in your frontend code
• Create API Layer: Build new API functions to replace SDK calls
• Update Components: Modify React components to use your new API
• Handle Authentication: Replace Base 44 auth with your new auth system
• Test Everything: Extensive testing since you're rebuilding core functionality

Step 4: Data Migration and Testing

The most challenging part - getting your data out of Base 44:

• Manual Export: No automated tools - export data manually from Base 44 UI
• Data Transformation: Convert data to match your new backend schema
• Import Process: Load data into your new backend system
• Validation: Ensure all data migrated correctly
• Parallel Testing: Run both systems during transition period

Note: Base 44 implementation details vary significantly between projects. This guide assumes a proprietary architecture with custom packages. Your migration experience may differ based on your specific Base 44 setup and customizations.