Summary

Chef is an AI-driven application builder for creating full-stack web apps. It targets developers needing integrated databases, zero-config auth, file uploads, real-time UIs, and background workflows. Chef simplifies backend development by using AI code generation, powered by the Convex reactive database.

How It Works

Chef leverages Convex's reactive database APIs for its AI code generation capabilities. It manages an agentic loop, injecting system prompts, defining tools, and calling AI model providers to construct application components. This approach aims to abstract backend complexities and accelerate development.

Quick Start & Requirements

Local setup requires cloning the repository, installing Node.js via nvm (note: nvm is incompatible with Windows, necessitating alternative solutions), and pnpm. Users need a Convex account and must configure a Convex OAuth application. Environment variables for Convex (BIG_BRAIN_HOST, CONVEX_OAUTH_CLIENT_ID, CONVEX_OAUTH_CLIENT_SECRET, WORKOS_CLIENT_ID) and AI model provider API keys (Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, XAI) must be set in .env.local. Run with pnpm run dev and npx convex dev. Official documentation and a hosted webapp are available.

Highlighted Details

• Builds full-stack apps with integrated database, auth, file uploads, real-time UIs, and background workflows.
• The "secret sauce" system prompt is available for download.
• A fork of bolt.diy.
• Includes a chef-agent/ module for AI loop management.

Maintenance & Community

Development is led by the Convex team, which welcomes bug fixes and feedback.

Licensing & Compatibility

The provided README does not specify a software license, which may impact commercial use or integration into closed-source projects.

Limitations & Caveats

Local development utilizes the hosted Convex control plane. The nvm dependency is incompatible with Windows, requiring alternative Node.js management. Setup involves integrating multiple external services and API keys.