Getting Started

This guide will walk you through creating and deploying your first app with itsalive.co. You'll set up your project, build something with Claude, and have it live on the internet in minutes.

Prerequisites

You'll need:

• Node.js installed (for running npx)
• Claude Code or another AI coding assistant
• An email address for verification

Step 1: Create Your Project

Create a new folder for your app:

mkdir my-app
cd my-app

Step 2: Initialize with itsalive

Run the itsalive CLI to claim your subdomain and set up deployment:

npx itsalive-co

You'll be prompted for:

• Subdomain: Pick a unique name (e.g., "my-awesome-app")
• Email: Your email for verification

Check your inbox and click the verification link. The CLI will detect this and create a starter index.html file for you.

Step 3: Build with Claude

Now open Claude Code in your project folder and start building:

claude

Tell Claude what you want to build. For example:

• "Build me a personal portfolio site with my projects"
• "Create a todo app that saves tasks to the database"
• "Make a simple blog where I can post updates"

Claude will create the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files for your app. It already knows about itsalive.co's APIs for auth, database, and more.

Step 4: Deploy Your Changes

After Claude builds your app, deploy it:

npx itsalive-co

Your files will be uploaded and you'll see your live URL:

✨ https://my-awesome-app.itsalive.co

Step 5: Iterate

Keep vibing! Make changes with Claude, then run npx itsalive-co to deploy. The cycle is:

1. Tell Claude what to build or change
2. Run npx itsalive-co to deploy
3. Check your live site
4. Repeat

Example Session

$ mkdir my-app && cd my-app
$ npx itsalive-co
? Subdomain: my-awesome-app
? Email: me@example.com
📧 Check your email...
✔ Verified!
✨ https://my-awesome-app.itsalive.co

$ claude
> Build me a habit tracker app where I can add habits
> and check them off each day. Save the data so it
> persists between visits.

Claude creates index.html, styles.css, app.js...

$ npx itsalive-co
✔ Uploaded 3 files
✨ https://my-awesome-app.itsalive.co

Next Steps

Now that your app is live, explore what else you can build:

• Add user login so each person has their own data
• Learn more about the database API
• Connect a custom domain for a professional URL