Bubble for Enterprise AI Startup MVP ?

Questions
1

Hi guys, I’m considering using Bubble as a low-code/no-code frontend for our enterprise AI startup MVP. We’re going to build a custom-backend and not going to rely on the backend workflows or DB provided by Bubble.

  • I’m an experienced full-stack dev myself and we want to go with a low-code frontend to ship fast, I’m also concerned about the learning curve associated with UI development on Bubble. I’d love to get your thoughts on the below: ⁠Is it possible to add fine-tuned OpenAI/Anthropic chatbots to Bubble directly using our context/knowledgebase, or would we have to use APIs and make our custom backend the intermediary layer?
  • Additionally, is OpenAI function calling supported through the Bubble plugin?
  • ⁠⁠Can I add Single-Sign-On (SSO) with Microsoft Active Directory or other providers?
  • ⁠⁠Is Bubble secure for enterprise customers?
  • ⁠⁠Potential pit-falls we should be wary of within the Bubble ecosystem
  • ⁠⁠Can we export the frontend designs from Bubble into a Figma or HTML/CSS for future migration onto a custom frontend?
  • ⁠⁠Does Bubble have any hidden fees based on the amount of data that’s passed by API connectors?
  • ⁠⁠Would you recommend Bubble for our MVP, or should we consider a different low-code/no-code tool?

Thanks in advance!

2

Don’t use Bubble at all then. Bubble has a weak front end, weak backend, but a very good full stack product (using both together). If using external DB/backend, use a front-end tool like WeWeb.

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3

You can go with a tool called softr to build frontend

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4

I’d say to go with Bubble, if comfortable, or a platform like WeWeb to do the front-end as compared to Softr. Though the product is good, I feel it’s too restrictive in case one wishes to implement technologically advanced functions or even scale. That being said, it’s okay for MVPs

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The biggest strength of Bubble (and, in my view, the primary reason to use it), is its complete integration between front-end, backend, and database, allowing you to build full-stack applications all in one place, speeding up development and simplifying the whole process.

So, if you’re not going to be using the Bubble database or its backend, then what’s left is just Bubble’s front-end, and editor.

Which means you’ll be stuck with all of the well-known issues of Bubble’s front-end, and the functional limitations of the Bubble editor, without any of the benefits of Bubble’s full-stack integration.

So I’d say, assuming you’re not open to using Bubble for the whole project, if you’re looking for a no-code / low-code tool to build just the front end, then go with something that’s more suited to that specific task (WeWeb gets my vote here).

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6

As @adamhholmes and @georgecollier both stated — since you’re not using the full-stack experience of Bubble, you’re basically just putting pieces together and will have a weird stack at the end. I’ve been in this shoe myself, as I have connected Directus with a Bubble app, and it’s not a fun process (although worth it in the end, had to spend more time to make it work).

WeWeb is a suitable alternative for more of the front-end stuff, but I also am partnered with another tool for front-end development that you can self-host, edit on the web, and edit the code (it’s Vue framework).

It’s not made for backend just yet, so you have to tie that in yourself, but it can build the front-end for you no problem. I use it for sub-apps and small tools, as it’s just one of the tools in my belt.

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Although, I have been using Bubble for many years now and a lot of my projects have been boilerplates/design projects for clients and their ideas. I consider Bubble more to be an interactive Figma when it comes to front-end, which is wonderful. Bubble’s front-end editor has been game-changing for me in terms of design-time and prototyping time. Once they released the responsive mode, I was hooked. The only thing it comes down to is some limitations that Bubble has that others don’t.

I say you try Bubble to see how connecting your data works to see how it feels, and be aware of your limitations (like not being able to edit your code, or how most of the functionality works with their backend utilities).

Another fun one is FlutterFlow — I’ve been pleased with the outcome of this, as their UI is very intuitive and the apps work on any device (cause flutter). I could go on for days, but you’re here, so you might as well try! :slight_smile:

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