> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://smartr-ai.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://smartr-ai.gitbook.io/docs/create-your-first-app/create-an-instant-app.md).
# Create an Instant App
## Steps to create a project
***
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Ensure You Are in a Workspace**:
* To create a project, you must be inside a workspace. If you just created a workspace, you should be automatically directed to its details page.
* Alternatively, navigate to the **"My Workspaces"** tab at the top of the page and select the workspace where you want to create the project.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Add a New Project**:
* Once inside the workspace, click on **"Add Project"**.
* You will be presented with two options for project creation:
* **Blank Project**: A minimal setup without a generated codebase, ideal for custom configurations.
* **Instant App**: Generates a ready-to-use codebase, perfect for quickly starting your development with Smartr’s predefined setup.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Instant App Generation:** For this guide, we will focus on the **Instant App** option, which provides a streamlined path to generating a codebase.
* **Enter Project Name**: Provide a unique name for your project that reflects its purpose. Click **"Proceed"** to continue.
* **Database Settings**: Choose your preferred method for connecting to the database:
* **Full Connection String**: Enter the entire database connection string and click **"Test"** to verify the connection.
* **Manual Configuration**: Specify the following:
* **Database Type**: Select **SQLSERVER**.
* **Host**: Enter the **server name**
* If you have local SQL: host.docker.internal
* If you dockirized the SQL in the Previous step: smartr-sql
* **Port**: Optional; defaults to **1433** if not specified.
* **Database Name**: The name of the database you intend to use.
* **User**: The username for database access. (sa)
* **Password**: The password for the specified user.
* Click **"Test"** to ensure the connection is valid.
* Click **"Proceed"** once the connection is verified.
If the connection is successful, the connection status logo will turn green, indicating that the database connection is valid.
* **Configure Directories**: Define the directories where your project files will be stored.
* **Project Parent Directory**: Specify the location for generated project files.
* **Patch History Directory**: Optionally, provide a path for patch history or keep the default (`[project_name]_history` under the parent directory).
* **Auto Apply Patch**: Choose whether to automatically apply patches to your database. Enable this if you want patches applied without manual intervention.
* Click **"Proceed"** to move forward.
* **Generate the Codebase**: Review the project settings, then click **"Generate"**. The Smartr engine will generate your codebase based on the provided configuration.
Once the generation process is complete, the code will be available in the specified directory.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
{% hint style="info" %}
When entering the **server name** during the database configuration, always start with `host.docker.internal` if you are using local SQL and `smartr-sql` if you are using the dockerized SQL . This is essential **when using Docker** because it allows the Smartr gateway running in a container to resolve the host machine’s address correctly. Without this, the database might be unreachable from the container, leading to connection errors.
{% endhint %}
## What's Next
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With your project successfully created, you can delve deeper into Smartr's features, codebase architecture, and learn how to add customizations.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Did You Know?**
You can also use Smartr's AI assistant, **Diivo**, to create your Instant App quickly.
Visit [Build with Diivo](/docs/build-with-diivo.md) for step-by-step guidance on how to use **Diivo** for this process.
{% endhint %}