How do I deploy an app built with AI coding tools?
Pre-Deployment Checklist
Before deploying, review the AI-generated code for security, performance, and maintainability. Ensure it follows your project's conventions and doesn't include hardcoded secrets.
Test the app thoroughly in a staging environment. Check that environment variables are set correctly and that the app handles errors gracefully.
- Run a security scan and fix critical issues.
- Ensure all dependencies are up to date.
- Set up logging and monitoring.
- Configure environment variables for production.
- Test the build process locally.
Choosing a Hosting Platform
You can deploy to platforms like Vercel, Netlify, Heroku, AWS, or Google Cloud. The choice depends on your app's stack, scalability needs, and budget.
For simple static sites, Netlify or Vercel are easy. For full-stack apps, consider Render, Railway, or a cloud provider. Many platforms offer free tiers for small projects.
Setting Up CI/CD
Use continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) to automate testing and deployment. GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or CircleCI can run tests and deploy on every push.
Make sure your CI pipeline includes security checks and that deployment is gated on passing tests. This reduces the risk of deploying broken or insecure code.
Common mistakes
- Deploying without reviewing the AI-generated code for security or quality issues.
- Forgetting to set environment variables or secrets in the production environment.
- Skipping staging tests and deploying directly to production.
