We built a web IDE where AI edits structured code instead of text(stellisoft.com)
1 pointby mattstellify3 hours ago1 comment
  • mattstellify3 hours ago
    Instead of generating files directly, Stellify stores code as structured database records. AI operates on this structure — creating routes, components, methods, and UI elements through explicit operations (not string manipulation) — which are then assembled into PHP and JavaScript projects.

    This avoids syntax errors, broken merges, and the brittleness of text-based AI code generation, enabling safe real-time collaboration and deterministic builds.

    You can start from scratch or import existing PHP and JS codebases, restructure them into maintainable components, and export full Laravel + Vue / React / Alpine projects at any time — no proprietary lock-in. Everything runs in the browser, no local setup required.

    Try it: https://stellisoft.com

    I’d love feedback from developers on the approach.

    • chrisjj3 hours ago
      Fascinating!

      > Code is stored as structured data, not text.

      So from where does it get that structured data, if not from text?

      • mattstellify3 hours ago
        Great question! Stellify doesn’t treat code as text at all — it stores everything as structured records in a database. Each file, method, route, and UI element is a discrete entity with metadata and relationships.

        When AI edits code, it operates on these records directly through defined operations (create route, add method body, update element, etc.), rather than generating strings.

        The system then assembles these records into actual PHP/JS files when you export, so you always get working code, with no syntax errors or merge conflicts.

        • chrisjj3 hours ago
          Great. So from where does it get that structured code data, if not from text?

          From machine code, perhaps?

          • mattstellify2 hours ago
            The structured code data is created from the code you/ AI agents write or import.

            Once stored as structured data, AI can operate upon your code to perform surgical operations designed to improve or maintain your codebase.

            When you export, Stellify assembles these records into PHP/JS files that are fully functional and free from syntax errors or broken references/ merges.

            • chrisjjan hour ago
              > The structured code data is created from the code you/ AI agents write or import.

              The code I write is text, so how does it get from that to "not text" in your "structured data"?