How I Developed MentorMobile Using Generative AI
In the realm of AI development, we’re witnessing a fascinating evolution: using AI to build AI applications. At Alpine Intelligence, we’ve pushed this concept to its limits with MentorMobile, our AI Coach. Here’s how we’re reshaping the development paradigm by letting generative AI take the lead in building AI applications.
The Meta-AI Development Approach
When I set out to build MentorMobile, I made a bold decision: to use generative AI not just in the product, but throughout the entire development process. Using tools like SourceGraph Cody and various Large Language Models, I’ve achieved something remarkable – 90% of the codebase was developed through AI-assisted programming using only prompts and context.
This wasn’t just about code completion or simple automation. I used prompt engineering to:
- Design system architecture
- Generate complex business logic
- Create user interfaces
- Develop AI coaching prompts
- Implement security measures
- Create Infrastructure as Code
- Creating the context to use in prompts for fine granular coding
Why This Matters
Traditional software development is linear: An idea is translated into business requirements by business analysts, then architects design, developers code, testers verify. Our AI-first approach transforms this into an iterative, AI-augmented process where:
- Development cycles are dramatically shortened
- Solutions emerge through AI-human collaboration
- Code quality improves through AI validation
- Innovation happens at the intersection of human creativity and AI capabilities
- And most importantly: One person can work in many of these roles at the same time
Technical Innovation at Scale
MentorMobile’s architecture showcases how enterprise-grade applications can emerge from AI-driven development:
- Frontend: Flutter-based iOS application
- Backend: Java 21 with Spring Boot and Spring AI, WebFlux
- AI Engine: Azure-hosted GPT-4 variants
- Database: CosmosDB for scalable storage
- Security: Apple Login and Supabase authentication and enterprise-grade encryption
The European Advantage
As a Swiss company, we’ve built MentorMobile with European values at its core:
- Privacy-first architecture
- GDPR compliance by design
- Data sovereignty
- Ethical AI principles
Lessons Learned
This journey has taught me valuable lessons about the future of software development:
- AI is a Multiplier, but AI doesn’t replace humans; it multiplies and broadens their capabilities. I accomplished in weeks what traditionally took months.
- Quality Through Collaboration: The AI-human partnership produces higher quality code through continuous validation and improvement.
- Innovation at Speed: AI-driven development allows to innovate faster while maintaining enterprise-grade quality.
The Future is Here
MentorMobile represents more than just another AI application – it’s a proof of concept for the future of software development. By using AI to build AI applications, we’re not just talking about the future of technology; we’re building it, and becoming better day by day using it for building.
My journey creating this app from idea to production deployment shows that AI-driven development isn’t just possible; it’s preferable. It allows us to:
- Move faster
- Think bigger
- Build better
- Innovate continuously
Join the Revolution
At Alpine Intelligence, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI. MentorMobile is just the beginning. We’re actively exploring new ways to use AI in development, and we’re always looking for partners who share our vision.
Want to learn more about our AI-first development approach or explore how it could benefit your organization?