Stuck in “Try to Fix”
Building with Lovable is designed to be fast and intuitive, but like any powerful tool, it can sometimes encounter issues. You might find your code doesn’t run as intended, or the AI misinterprets your instructions, leading to unexpected behavior. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you resolve these problems and get back to building:Use the 'Try to Fix' Button First
Diagnose Unexpected Behavior
- Review Your Prompt: Double-check your original instructions to ensure they were clear.
- Isolate the Issue: Examine individual components and logic to pinpoint where things went wrong.
- Provide Visual Context: Use screenshots or recordings to show the AI exactly what isn’t working.
Write More Effective Prompts
- Project Overview: Briefly describe what you are building.
- Page Structure: List the key pages and components.
- Navigation Logic: Explain the intended user flow.
- Visual Aids: Upload wireframes or mockups.
- Implementation Steps: Outline the desired build order.
Build in a Logical Order
- Create the main layout and pages.
- Connect your backend or database.
- Set up user authentication and roles.
- Plan the logic for each feature.
- Prompt Lumi to implement features one by one.
Use Discuss Mode for Guidance
- Ask Lumi to analyze the current state of your project.
- Request a summary of the solutions already attempted.
- Prompt for new strategies to tackle persistent problems.
Apply Advanced Tactics for Tough Bugs
- Be Specific: Clearly describe the bug and what you expect to happen.
- Use Visuals: Screenshots or screen recordings are incredibly helpful for illustrating complex problems.
- Ask for Alternatives: Directly ask, “What else can we try?” to generate new ideas.
- Roll Back: Restore your project to a previously working version and rebuild the problematic feature step-by-step.
Common Troubleshooting Areas
Most issues you’ll encounter will fall into one of the following categories:- UI and Layout Glitches
- API or Backend Errors
- Prompt Misinterpretations
- AI Unresponsiveness or Malfunctions
- Platform or Integration Failures
General issue
How can I get a fast diagnosis for a problem?
How can I get a fast diagnosis for a problem?
What should I do for UI or layout problems?
What should I do for UI or layout problems?
- Inspect the component hierarchy and review the applied styles.
- Use screenshots to clearly illustrate any visual glitches.
- Prompt Lumi directly: “This element is misaligned. Please fix it.”
What if I'm completely stuck on an error?
What if I'm completely stuck on an error?
- Try this prompt: “Let’s take a step back. Analyze the error and propose an alternative solution.”
- Break the task down into smaller, more manageable steps.
- If errors persist, use the revert button to roll back to a working version.
What does a 'code sandbox error' mean?
What does a 'code sandbox error' mean?
What should I do if I see a 'Not found preview' or 'spinning up sandbox' message?
What should I do if I see a 'Not found preview' or 'spinning up sandbox' message?
AI Reliability
How can I avoid AI mistakes when prompt engineering?
How can I avoid AI mistakes when prompt engineering?
- Write clear, well-structured prompts.
- Employ reverse meta prompting techniques.
- Test prompts in Discuss Mode before implementing major changes.
What should I do if the AI is not responding?
What should I do if the AI is not responding?
How can I break a persistent fix error loop?
How can I break a persistent fix error loop?
What should I do if a refactor causes major issues?
What should I do if a refactor causes major issues?
What if the AI enters an error loop, hallucinates, or uses broken logic?
What if the AI enters an error loop, hallucinates, or uses broken logic?
What can I do if the AI fails to implement my requested changes?
What can I do if the AI fails to implement my requested changes?
What if Discuss Mode or Agent Mode isn't responding or gives an incomplete answer?
What if Discuss Mode or Agent Mode isn't responding or gives an incomplete answer?
What should I do about unexpected crashes, errors, or loops?
What should I do about unexpected crashes, errors, or loops?
- Avoid retrying the exact same prompt; instead, simplify or rephrase it.
- Ask the AI: “What solutions have we already attempted?”
- Restore a previous working version of your project.