JetBrains launches Kineto platform for no-code app creation

JetBrains has launched Kineto, a new platform designed to enable users to create their own apps without the need for coding experience.

The company says Kineto is intended to remove the technical barriers traditionally associated with web and app development. According to JetBrains, existing website constructors require significant user input, and generative AI platforms demand some coding ability. Kineto, by contrast, centres the process on prompting, allowing users to translate an idea into a working app by describing its purpose in plain language.

Process and workflow

With Kineto, the initial step involves users providing a detailed prompt outlining their desired app's features and appearance. This prompt is then interpreted by Kineto, which proposes a suitable user interface and design. Users are not required to explain every individual element or produce extensive design references, as the platform generates these details automatically.

JetBrains explained the process: "Every prompt is processed by Kineto and translated into appropriate functionality. Users don't need to explain every single button or provide extensive references – Kineto will get to work and propose a suitable interface and design."

For users unsure about the precise look of their app, Kineto offers basic templates, colour schemes and fonts. This enables the foundation of an application to be laid out prior to further development.

Prototyping and meta layer

After the initial prompt, Kineto spends approximately 20 minutes generating the prototype, during which it creates both the architecture and functional elements of the app. Users can then make adjustments through what JetBrains terms the Meta Layer mode, allowing modifications to features, user roles and rules without the need to input a new prompt or engage in coding.

The platform covers functions necessary for a range of application types, including websites, planner tools, fitness trackers, blogs and quiz apps, handling both the front-end and back-end, as well as databases. Changes to the apps' structure or design can be discussed in a chat interface, reflecting adjustments instantly on the prototype.

"While developing a website or an app, you'll encounter loads of technical challenges that need to be solved – from how to code the functionality to how to host it. Delivering even a simple to-do app requires a hefty technology stack, a team of professionals, and hours of testing and maintenance. This is the reason why millions of great ideas remain little more than ideas and never end up becoming ready-to-use products.

We saw it as a challenge and inspiration to develop and introduce our new product, Kineto by JetBrains – a platform that helps create, deploy, and maintain ready-to-use websites and apps.

From now on, anybody in the world will be able to effortlessly create their own personal or professional app and share it with their friends – just as easily as our phones allow us to take pictures, record videos, and share these on social media today. Why look for an existing app when you can create your own in 20 minutes?"

Intended users and support

JetBrains said that Kineto is designed for both personal and professional use, particularly targeting individuals and small businesses who lack software development experience. The aim is to make app creation as accessible as creating and sharing photos or videos on social media platforms, thereby supporting what JetBrains describes as a "creative dev economy".

"At this moment in time, there is no platform that allows people with no coding experience to build a ready-to-use app and actually enjoy the process of building it. Now, with the release of Kineto, we have taken a significant step toward making this dream a reality.

With Kineto, we're building a bridge between creative people, small businesses, and no-code platforms, contributing to the emergence of a creative dev economy – a new era in which people will create their own personal web apps with minimal effort.

The key principle behind Kineto is no code for you at all. We and our tools take care of the coding, so you could focus on being creative. We've leveraged 25 years of experience building products for developers to create this technology that will help millions of people make their ideas happen – and truly enjoy the process of creation."

The platform is currently suitable for developing smaller, single-purpose applications, with future versions expected to extend support for more complex projects, app hosting and automated suggestions for improvements.

Early Access Programme

JetBrains has opened an early access programme for Kineto. The company is prioritising users with no prior coding experience, especially those with a clear project idea in mind. Selected participants are being given access to Kineto free of charge, as well as support from the JetBrains team throughout their app-building process.

"At JetBrains, we've been building tools for professional developers, and now we want to offer our technologies to creators who've never coded – or even planned to. If this describes you, we'd love for you to trial Kineto and share your experience with us. The Early Access Programme is now open, and we invite you to join the waitlist to try it out for yourself. We'll review all applications and grant free access to a select group of users with no coding experience, with priority being given to those who already know what they want to create. As a participant in our Early Access Programme, you won't just receive access to Kineto – you'll also enjoy the full support of our team, who will assist you as you build and polish your app.

Our goal is to help you close Kineto happy with your app – and hopefully welcome you back again later to make more.

Please understand that we won't be able to provide access to all applicants in order to ensure that we can give those selected the required focus and attention."

The company states it intends to use feedback from early users to refine the product for a wider release.