[AI Development Tool] Vibe Coding with Base44! Full-stack development can also be completed with AI | How to get started & pricing plans explained

For those who want to create a web application but can't write code Base44 is a service that could be a very viable option.

Recently, a style of app generation called " vibe coding " has been gaining attention, where you give instructions to AI to generate apps.
I tried several services, but most of them did not directly support functions such as server processing, authentication, and database construction if I tried to do these things, I would have to link them with other external services , which tended to complicate the development flow.

Among them, I actually paid to try out Base44, and was very surprised to find that it allows you to handle backend functions, databases, and authentication functions using only natural language instructions.

Things that were previously impossible are now possible as if they were a matter of course .
The difference is clear, and I feel that this tool will expand the possibilities of vibe coding to a whole new level.

In this article, we will introduce the appeal of Base44, what it can do, how to get started, and things to be careful about, based on our actual experience using it.

I am currently using the Builder plan, which costs $50 per month.
I will explain in more detail later which plan you should choose

What is Base44? What can you create with it?

Base44 an AI development platform that allows you to build, edit, and publish web applications simply by issuing instructions to the AI in natural language .

In recent years, a style of development called "vibe coding" has been gaining attention, where you give instructions in chat format such as "I want to make this kind of app," and the app is generated accordingly.
Base44 one of the most representative tools that makes this development style possible .

By providing specifications and functions in text, the AI automatically assembles the screen layout, data structure, and processing base.
It also handles elements that have been difficult to handle with other tools, such as server processing and authentication, and it provides the foundation for creating a full-fledged web service .

Examples of apps you can actually create

• Inquiry form and simple CMS
• Management screen and database-linked dashboard
• API integration tools (Google Places, Twitter, Slack, etc.)
• Automated email sending and voice/image generation tools
• AI chatbots, web apps with search functions, etc.

You can also start creating an app based on a pre-made template

What are the features of Base44?

The appeal of Base44 is that it goes beyond simply creating a UI and allows you
to build the entire app, including the back-end elements required The following functions are integrated into a single platform:

App functionality (technical core)

Another attractive feature of Base44 is that you can start with a certain "base" rather than having to "think everything from scratch

• Template function :
  By selecting a pre-prepared app template, you can start development from a working state immediately.
  For example, typical configurations such as "Login service," "Reservation management," and "Product list" are already set up.
• Multiple app management :
  You can have multiple projects simultaneously with one account, easy to prototype, branch, and operate for different purposes

As such, Base44's major feature is that it goes beyond being a "convenient tool that can be used to give instructions in natural language" and comprehensively covers the foundations required for app development

Things that surprised me when I actually used Base44

When I actually paid for and used Base44, I honestly thought at first that it was just another AI generation tool.
However, as soon as I started using it, I noticed several points that made me realize that it was different from other services.

✅ Backend functions are easy to use!

What surprised me about using Base44 was how easy it was to use the backend functions

Other AI app generation services often lack backend processing or require integration with external services, resulting in failure to reach release .

On the other hand, with Base44, you can simply say "I want to add this processing" in natural language, and a backend function will be generated and run in the app . Corrections and additions can also be made repeatedly in chat format, making it very easy to use.

Why are backend functions important?

there is a problem in that confidential information that should be handled on the server side is visible to the user

Including "secrets" like API keys or database connection information in the frontend makes it easy for anyone to access sensitive information by viewing it using the browser's developer tools.

This results in serious risks, including:

• Leakage of confidential data
  └ Unauthorized access to the database leads to the leakage of personal information and internal data
• High API bills
  └ API keys are misused to send a large number of requests
• App tampering/spoofing
  - There is a risk of authentication being bypassed or unintended operations being performed

To avoid these risks, highly confidential processes and information must be hidden and processed on the server side .

there have been reported from apps created using vibecoding , resulting in charges of over hundreds of thousands of yen

You may also want to read

Writing an API key on the front end with vibe coding resulted in hacking and high charges | Examples and security measures... "Vibe coding," which focuses on quickly building apps with an emphasis on getting them working, is gaining popularity as a modern development style. It's especially popular when using BaaS services like Supabase and Firebase...

To prevent such risks, it is essential to have a mechanism for safely handling confidential information and processing on the "server side."
Base44 makes this mechanism easy to implement using only natural language , making it extremely safe from a security standpoint.

✅ The database is easy to use!

Many of today's AI development tools typically require integration with external database services to store and retrieve data

This resulted in the following challenges:

• Requires registration with a separate service (e.g., Supabase or Airtable) and issuance of an API key
• Reading and writing data requires specialized knowledge, making it difficult for non-engineers
• The scope of what can be completed using natural language is limited, making the development experience prone to interruptions

Base44 eliminates
all of this hassle All you have to do is tell it via chat what kind of data you want to handle, and it will automatically create everything from defining the schema to saving and retrieving the data,

Until now, integrating with external services has been a hassle, and it was not uncommon to complete processing like a
makeshift database However, with Base44, a formal database can be used using only natural language , enabling more professional and scalable app development.

✅ Authentication function can be implemented simply by setting it up!

With Base44, adding login via Google or email address as easy as configuring it.
No code required, just turn on the authentication method you need !

Authentication methods include email, Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and more.

When creating an app, if you include permission information such as "who can do what" in the prompt, the necessary authorization control will be automatically reflected.

✅ Publishing on your own domain is surprisingly easy!

With Base44, you can publish the app you created directly on your own domain

• You can also purchase a domain from "Buy Domain" within Base44
• You can also use a domain you already own!

Simply register with "Custom Domains" and immediately, without any special settings
Even if you don't have any technical knowledge, it will feel like has been published on your own domain "before you know

✅ You can easily and safely connect with external services!

Base44's "Integrations" feature intuitively link with a variety of external services .
Processes that would normally require backend implementation, such as sending emails, syncing with CRM, and utilizing AI models, simply by issuing commands via chat .

As mentioned at the beginning, storing secret information such as API keys on the front end poses serious risks, but by making good use of Integrations, this risk can be eliminated.

Examples of what you can do

• Automatically send emails when users register (Resend)
• Form submission notifications to Slack
• AI generation and summarization using OpenAI, Claude, and Gemini
• Connect to Notion or Airtable to synchronize and display data
• Send SMS with Twilio and display GIFs with Giphy

There seem to be many other things that can be connected externally besides those shown in the image.

Base44 automatically builds the API processing behind the scenes, so you don't need to write any code .
However, many services an API key (authentication information) (which Base44 securely manages as secret information).

✅ Get started right away with our templates!

Base44 provides many
working app templates Even if you are worried about starting from scratch, you can start with a working sample by using a template as a base.

There are some pretty professional app templates, so it might be worth taking a look!

✅ The credit system is simple and easy to understand!

For example, with services like Lovable that integrate with Supabase, you need to understand
the limitations and specifications of Supabase However, Supabase can be a bit difficult for non-engineers, and the settings and capacity limits can be difficult to understand.

In this respect, the Base44 credit system is very simple .
You only need to integration credit each time you use an integration function, such as DB operations, LLM execution, or file uploads

A major attraction is that it is intuitive and easy to use , as there are no complicated restrictions such as "you can use up to ○ GB" or "you can make requests up to ○ times per month

A few concerns I had when using Base44

Base44 is very easy to use and is an excellent service that even non-engineers can use to develop apps, but when actually using it, there are some points that are of concern to engineers

Detailed performance specifications have not been released

Base44 automatically builds the backend, including server functions and databases, so you can start using it without writing any code. However, it is a bit concerning that almost no information about the backend's structure or performance has been made public

For example, a service like Lovable, which works with Supabase, provides the following detailed specifications on the Supabase side:

• Number of vCPUs and memory capacity
• PostgreSQL operating environment and performance guidelines
• Limitations for each plan (number of simultaneous connections, whether or not to sleep, etc.)

This information may be difficult for non-engineers to understand , but it is an important indicator for estimating performance and stability

I believe that Base44 has sufficient performance, but at this point it may feel a bit like a black box when it comes to how large a scale it can withstand.

❗The integration credit limit is surprisingly strict

BBase44 uses "Integration Credits" for database operations, running AI models, file uploads, etc.

• Builder Plan ($50/month) : 10,000 credits per month
• Pro Plan ($100/month) : 20,000 credits per month
• Elite Plan ($200/month) : 50,000 credits per month

At first glance, it may seem like enough, but may run out surprisingly quickly

a setup like Lovable which uses Supabase as its backend , has the following specifications (for paid plans):

• Data transfer: 250GB monthly transfer limit
• Backend functions: Available up to 2.5 million times per month (within data transfer limits)
• Database: Unlimited access (within data transfer limits)

This figure of 2.5 million times is about 250 times the 10,000 credits of Base44 .
Although a direct comparison is not possible, seems a little strict

As the number of users increases, it will likely be necessary to devise a design that does not consume integration credits as much as possible

What you can do with 250GB of data transfer (approximate)

❗Is there a "low degree of freedom" because it is completed within Base44?

The great appeal of Base44 is easy to complete, with everything integrated from the front end, back end, database, and authentication .

On the other hand, it is completed within the Base44 environment can also be a disadvantage in that it makes it difficult to migrate to other environments.

For example, if you want to deploy to a different cloud environment for cost reasons , the app's structure relies on Base44, making it difficult to migrate.

Being able to "complete everything within Base44" is very convenient, but it's good to be aware that it may become a constraint when considering future scalability and flexible configuration

However, since the contents of apps made with Base44 are based on React, it is theoretically possible to migrate to other services such as Supabase by properly rewriting the backend functions and database processing.

However, if there is a lot of processing that relies on the Base44 client, the amount of work required for conversion will be significant , so if you are considering a future migration, it may be a good idea to keep the configuration in mind.

Comparing Base44 pricing plans! Which one is recommended?

Base44 offers four pricing plans in addition to the free plan.

The differences between them are summarized in the table below.
Credits are awarded for giving instructions to the AI and for using Integrations.

✅ If you want to develop an app, the “Builder Plan” is almost essential!

I actually use the Builder plan ($50 per month) , and if you want to create a proper app, this plan essentially the starting point .

• Backend functions available
• Can be published on your own domain
• There's a decent amount of credits, so it's fine as long as it doesn't become too popular.

The Starter plan limits the "backend functions" that are the biggest feature of Base44 , which significantly narrows the scope of development.

An application actually created using Base44

I myself have used Base44 to build several apps, including a "Mini Stock Radar." I
have also made the templates publicly available, so if you're interested, try cloning them.

👉 Click here for an example app created with Base44! (In preparation)

How to get started with Base44! Backend Functions setup explained!

Using Base44 is very simple. Follow the steps below to get started with your app development.

①Access the official website ( https://base44.com/ )

First, go to the official website and select "Start Building."

②Create an account (Google account is OK)

You will be redirected to the login screen, so select "Sign up".

When "Create Your Account" appears, register an account with Google or Email.
There are several fields to enter the required information on the next screen.

Once you've entered your account details, you'll be able to create an app. If you're starting with the free plan, this completes the process.
Next, we'll show you how to register for the Builder plan or higher and how to enable Backend Functions.

③Select Billing and choose the Builder plan (not necessary if you just want to try it out)

To sign up for the Builder plan, select "Account Icon" ⇒ "Billing."

You will be redirected to the plan selection screen, so select the "Builder" plan or higher.

③ Return to the top screen and enter your requirements in the chat

Backend Functions require configuration for each app.
First, let's create an app by chatting.

④Activate Backend Functions

*This feature can only be set up with the "Builder Plan ($50/month)" or higher .

On the app management screen, click "App Settings" ⇒ "Backend Functions" ⇒ "Activated."
The app should already be generated, so send the following prompt to make it a server function.

I would like all interactions with the outside world, such as AppStorage and InvokeLLM, to be backend functions.

⑤You can check and adjust the generated app and publish it as is!

Now all you have to do is develop your app and publish it!

For detailed instructions on how to create an app, please see our separate article, which explains the steps with actual screenshots.

It provides detailed instructions on how to create and publish an app, including how to publish it on your own domain.

(in preparation)

Finally: Base44 is the perfect AI development tool for "vibe coding"!

If you want to create a web application but don't know how to write code Base44 is the ideal choice .

By simply giving instructions in natural language, you can build a full-fledged app that includes the front end, back end, database, and authentication, and you
also smoothly integrate it with external services and publish it on your own domain .

This is an experience that is hard to come by with other AI development tools.

If you're serious about taking on the challenge of creating things in the age of AI, it's definitely worth giving Base44 a try.
Experience the development experience of "creating with words" rather than "using your hands