How to Build Your First App with Windsurf in 2025

What if building your first app wasn’t as overwhelming as it seems? Imagine this: you’re a solo founder with a new idea, but the thought of coding an entire application feels like staring at a mountain with no clear path to the summit. Enter Windsurf, a development platform designed to simplify app creation for entrepreneurs like you. With its AI-assisted coding and streamlined workflows, Windsurf transforms what could be a daunting process into an achievable, even exciting, journey. This exploration isn’t just about coding; it’s about empowering you to take control of your vision and bring it to life, one step at a time.

In this guide by Blazing Zebra, you’ll discover how to build a functional CRM app using a tech stack that balances simplicity and scalability: SQLite, Node.js, React, and Tailwind CSS. From setting up your backend to crafting a polished user interface, you’ll learn practical skills that go beyond just writing code. Along the way, you’ll see how Windsurf’s features—like prompt-based workflows and terminal integration—help you focus on what matters most: creating an app that works for your users. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this journey will leave you with more than just an app—it’ll give you the confidence to tackle future projects with clarity and purpose.

What is Windsurf?

TL;DR Key Takeaways :

Windsurf Overview: Windsurf is an AI coding platform offering AI-assisted coding, terminal integration, and prompt-based workflows to simplify app development.
Tech Stack for CRM: The guide uses SQLite for the backend, Node.js for server-side logic, React for the frontend, and Tailwind CSS with ShadCN for styling, making sure simplicity and scalability.
Step-by-Step Development: The process includes setting up the backend with SQLite and Node.js, building the frontend with React, and iterative testing using tools like Postman to ensure functionality and stability.
UI/UX Design Focus: Tailwind CSS, ShadCN components, and Magic Patterns are recommended for creating a clean, responsive, and professional user interface.
Best Practices and Outcomes: Plan before coding, break the project into manageable tasks, and test iteratively to build a functional CRM app while gaining valuable full-stack development skills.

Windsurf is a development platform tailored to simplify app creation for solo founders. It offers a suite of tools designed to make coding faster and more efficient. Key features include AI-assisted coding, terminal integration, and prompt-based workflows. These tools allow you to generate code quickly, debug effectively, and manage your project with ease. By using Windsurf, you can focus on building the core functionality of your app without being overwhelmed by repetitive or time-consuming coding tasks. This makes it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs looking to bring their ideas to life without requiring extensive technical expertise.

Build a CRM with Windsurf

For this project, you’ll use a tech stack that balances simplicity, scalability, and flexibility. The selected tools are well-suited for solo developers and provide everything needed to create a robust application:

Backend: SQLite for lightweight database management and Node.js for server-side logic.
Frontend: React for building a dynamic and interactive user interface.
Styling: Tailwind CSS and ShadCN for creating a modern, cohesive design.

This combination ensures that you can build a functional app without unnecessary complexity, while still leaving room for future scalability and customization.

Building Your First Windsurf Application

Watch this video on YouTube.

Enhance your knowledge on Windsurf app development by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject.

Step-by-Step Development Process

1. Setting Up the Backend

Begin by designing the database schema using SQLite. Define tables and relationships to store customer data, such as names, contact details, and interaction history. Write SQL scripts to test the database and ensure data integrity. Once your database is ready, use Node.js to create API endpoints for CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations. These endpoints will serve as the backbone of your application, allowing data management and communication between the frontend and backend. Test each endpoint thoroughly to confirm it handles requests accurately and efficiently.

2. Building the Frontend

With the backend in place, shift your focus to the React-based frontend. Start by planning the app’s structure, including components for navigation, forms, and data display. Initialize the React project and configure it to securely communicate with the backend using CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing). Gradually build out features such as navigation menus, input forms, and data tables. Ensure that each component integrates seamlessly with the backend, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience.

3. Iterative Testing

Testing is a critical part of the development process. After setting up an API endpoint, use tools like Postman to verify its functionality. Similarly, test React components individually before combining them into the full application. This iterative approach allows you to identify and resolve issues early, making sure that each part of your app functions as intended. Regular testing not only improves the app’s stability but also saves time by preventing larger issues later in the development cycle.

Enhancing UI/UX

A well-designed user interface is essential for creating a positive user experience. Use Tailwind CSS to style your app with pre-defined utility classes, making sure a clean and responsive design. Incorporate ShadCN components for consistent UI elements like buttons, modals, and form inputs. To further refine the design, use Magic Patterns, a tool that provides pre-built templates and patterns for common UI elements. These resources allow you to focus on functionality while maintaining a polished, professional aesthetic. A visually appealing and user-friendly interface can significantly enhance your app’s usability and appeal.

Best Practices for Development

To ensure a smooth and efficient development process, follow these best practices:

Plan Before Coding: Outline your app’s structure, features, and workflows to minimize rework and maintain focus.
Break the Project into Chunks: Divide the development process into manageable tasks, such as setting up the database, creating API endpoints, or designing individual pages.
Test Iteratively: Regular testing at each stage of development helps identify and fix issues early, making sure a stable and reliable application.

These practices not only improve the quality of your app but also make the development process more manageable and enjoyable.

What You’ll Achieve

By the end of this process, you’ll have a functional CRM app with a robust backend, a dynamic frontend, and a user-friendly interface. While the app will include placeholder elements for future features, it will serve as a solid foundation for further development. You can expand its functionality, refine its design, or integrate advanced features as your business grows. This project will also equip you with valuable skills in full-stack development, allowing you to tackle more complex projects in the future.

Additional Resources

To maximize the benefits of Windsurf, explore its cheat sheets for prompt-based workflows and terminal commands. These resources can help you navigate common development tasks more efficiently. Additionally, consider broadening your knowledge of running a one-person startup by learning about marketing strategies, customer engagement techniques, and scaling your application. These skills will complement your technical expertise and help you grow your business effectively.

By following this guide, you’ll not only build your first app but also gain the confidence and skills to bring future ideas to life. Windsurf enables solo founders to turn their visions into reality, one line of code at a time.

Media Credit: Blazing Zebra

Filed Under: AI, Guides

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