In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount. As developers, we are constantly on the lookout for tools and platforms that can help us streamline our workflows without breaking the bank. Enter Bolt.diy, a revolutionary version of the popular bolt.new platform that empowers you to choose the Large Language Model (LLM) that best suits your needs, offering significant cost savings and flexibility.
What is Bolt.diy?
Bolt.diy is a customisable version of bolt.new, a platform designed to simplify the integration of LLMs into your applications. While bolt.new offers a seamless experience with pre-configured models like Claude, Bolt.diy takes it a step further by allowing you to select the LLM that aligns with your project requirements. Whether you’re looking to use OpenAI’s GPT, DeepSeek, or any other LLM, Bolt.diy gives you the freedom to choose.
Why Choose Bolt.diy?
1. Cost Efficiency
One of the most compelling reasons to switch to Bolt.diy is the potential for significant cost savings. Different LLMs come with varying pricing structures, and some models may offer similar performance at a fraction of the cost. For instance, DeepSeek might provide comparable capabilities to Claude but at a lower price point. By allowing you to select the most cost-effective model for your use case, Bolt.diy helps you optimise your budget without compromising on quality.
2. Flexibility
Every project has unique requirements, and the ability to choose the right LLM can make a world of difference. Bolt.diy offers unparalleled flexibility, enabling you to switch between models as your needs evolve. Whether you’re building a chatbot, a content generation tool, or a complex AI-driven application, Bolt.diy ensures that you have the right tool for the job.
3. Customization
Bolt.diy is designed with developers in mind. The platform provides a range of customisation options, allowing you to fine-tune the LLM to better suit your specific use case. This level of control is particularly valuable when working on niche projects that require specialised language models.
4. Ease of Integration
Despite its advanced features, Bolt.diy remains incredibly user-friendly. The platform is built on Node.js, making it easy to integrate into your existing tech stack. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, you’ll find that Bolt.diy’s intuitive interface and comprehensive documentation make the integration process a breeze.
How to Get Started with Bolt.diy
Step 1: Set Up Your Environment
Before diving into Bolt.diy, ensure that you have Node.js installed on your machine. If you haven’t already, you can download it from the official Node.js website.
Step 2: Open the GitHub repository for Bolt.diy
All you need is located on GitHub, at the following address: https://github.com/stackblitz-labs/bolt.diy
Download the .zip file at https://github.com/stackblitz-labs/bolt.diy?tab=readme-ov-file#quick-download then follow the instructions at https://github.com/stackblitz-labs/bolt.diy?tab=readme-ov-file#prerequisites, then you’ll need to install the necessary packages.
I also used this video to help me: https://youtu.be/r5zG1ANlqdI?si=TqeBSb_OyC5LjxcB
With the prerequisites, you will need to use the Terminal and get your hands dirty with code, just follow the instructions and you should be fine.
I am not a coder myself, and I have zero background in coding, so I when I hit an error during the installation, I got back to the top of the page, and clicked the < > Code green button, to be shown three tabs: HTTPS, SSH, and GitHub CLI.
CLI, short for Command Line Interface, is a text-based interface that allows users to input commands to interact with a computer’s operating system. It functions through the default shell, which acts as an intermediary between the user and the operating system, enabling seamless communication and execution of tasks.
To be able to run any code starting with “gh”, you will need to install GitHub CLI. I use the MacOS terminal, and Homebrew, and here are the instructions to follow:
MacOS
- homebrew:
brew install gh
- macPorts:
sudo port install gh
After installing gh, you can then run the instruction from the dialog above:
gh repo clone stackblitz-labs/bolt.diy
Once I ran that instruction, everything fell into place and the terminal gave me a link to a localhost website, when I opened it, I was in!
BASIC QUICK INSTALLATION STEPS:
- Download the Bolt.diy zip file here: https://github.com/stackblitz-labs/bolt.diy?tab=readme-ov-file#quick-download
- Extract the Zip archive in your Downloads folder.
- Right click the extracted folder and choose “New terminal at folder.”
- The Terminal will open with the root at the folder’s level.
-
Install Package Manager (pnpm):
npm install -g pnpm
-
Install Project Dependencies:
pnpm install
-
Start the Application:
pnpm run dev
- Bolt.diy should now have been installed.
- If you highlight the localhost’s link, and copy it. Then paste it in a new tab, you will open bolt.diy.
Step 3: Pick your preferred LLM
Once the installation is complete, you can configure the LLM of your choice. Here’s an example of how to set up DeepSeek with Bolt.diy:
And you will be presented with the screen above. In the drop-down list that read Anthropic, choose DeepSeek. But you can choose any other amongst those:
Step 4: Customise and Optimise
With Bolt.diy, you have the flexibility to customise the LLM’s behaviour to better suit your needs. Explore the platform’s documentation to discover advanced features like fine-tuning, prompt engineering, and more.
Real-World Applications
1. Customer Support Chatbots
By leveraging cost-effective LLMs like DeepSeek, you can build intelligent chatbots that handle customer inquiries with ease, all while keeping operational costs low.
2. Content Generation
Whether you’re generating blog posts, product descriptions, or social media content, Bolt.diy allows you to choose the most efficient LLM for the task, ensuring high-quality output without overspending.
3. Data Analysis
LLMs can be incredibly powerful tools for analyzing and interpreting large datasets. With Bolt.diy, you can select the model that best fits your data analysis needs, enabling you to derive valuable insights without incurring unnecessary expenses.
4. Anything you want
I literally just created a Tic Tac Toe game, but you can create whatever you want!
Conclusion
Bolt.diy is not just a tool; it’s a game-changer in the world of no-code AI applications. By offering the flexibility to choose the most cost-effective and suitable LLM for your project, Bolt.diy empowers users to build smarter, more efficient applications without any coding expertise. Whether you’re a startup looking to minimize costs or an enterprise seeking to optimize your AI-driven solutions, Bolt.diy is the platform you’ve been waiting for.
So why wait? Dive into the world of Bolt.diy today and experience the future of no-code AI integration. Your wallet—and your users—will thank you.
