feat: Lovable integration - import AI-built apps and continue development

[rubenmarcus]

Summary

Integrate with Lovable.dev to import AI-built applications and continue development with ralph-starter loops.

Why This Integration Matters

Lovable generates full React apps quickly, but users often need to:

• Add custom features beyond Lovable's capabilities
• Integrate with specific backends
• Write comprehensive tests
• Customize beyond AI generation limits

Ralph-starter bridges the gap: start in Lovable, finish with ralph.

Lovable Export Options

1. GitHub Integration (Recommended)

Lovable syncs bi-directionally with GitHub:

• Every save pushes to GitHub
• GitHub changes sync back to Lovable

2. ZIP Download

Direct download of project files

What Gets Exported

• Vite-based React application
• UI components
• Client-side logic
• Note: Backend (Supabase) requires manual setup

Integration Approach

Option 1: GitHub Sync

ralph-starter source github --repo user/lovable-project

Since Lovable syncs to GitHub, we can pull from there.

Option 2: Lovable API (if available)

ralph-starter source lovable --project <project-id>

Option 3: Import from ZIP

ralph-starter import lovable ./lovable-export.zip

Use Cases

1. Lovable → Production Ready

# 1. Build MVP in Lovable
# 2. Export to GitHub
# 3. Ralph adds production features
ralph-starter run --spec "Add authentication, error handling, tests, and deploy"

2. Lovable + Custom Backend

# Lovable frontend + ralph builds custom backend
ralph-starter run --spec "Create Express API for the Lovable frontend"

3. Extend Lovable's Limits

# When Lovable can't do something complex
ralph-starter run --spec "Add real-time collaboration features"

Config

// ralph.config.ts
export default {
  sources: {
    lovable: {
      githubRepo: 'user/lovable-project',
      autoSync: true
    }
  }
}

Workflow

Lovable (rapid prototype) → GitHub → ralph-starter (production features)