Start here · Chapter 5

Build time

A build takes about 27 minutes from your description to a preview you can click through; most take 24–30 minutes. The numbers below come from real builds, and update as more builds finish.

Why it isn’t 2 minutes

Chirai doesn't show you anything until every page has been written, checked, given its own database and opened in a real browser. A quick demo you can't actually use is faster to make; a site where sign-in, the database and every link work takes this long.

27 minabout 27 minutes typical · most builds 24–30 minutes

Measured from real Chirai build logs (9 builds, 50–112 files); replaced by live numbers as builds finish.

  1. 01Understanding your idea

    ~3 min

    Reads your description, decides the pages, data and features, and writes a design brief — five separate AI steps, each checked before the next.

  2. 02Writing the code

    ~18 min

    Every page, component, database table and API route is written as real files (usually 50–110). It’s the longest step: about 15 seconds per file, written in order so each part matches the ones before it.

  3. 03Checking and repairing

    ~1 min

    Every file is checked for cut-off code, missing imports, wrong database names and broken links; anything wrong is repaired — Chirai’s own repair first, AI only for what’s left.

  4. 04Setting up the preview

    ~1 min

    Creates the site’s own database, matches it to the code, and starts the preview server.

  5. 05Opening every page

    ~5 min

    A real browser opens every page and clicks every link and button; whatever fails is fixed and checked again before you see it.

What makes it longer or shorter

  • How big the site is. Each file takes about 15 seconds to write. A simple site (50 files) is closer to 22 minutes; a large shop or marketplace (110 files) closer to 37.
  • Busy AI providers. When one is slow or down, Chirai switches to another; that can add a few minutes.
  • Repairs. Most problems are fixed by Chirai’s own repair in milliseconds; a page that has to be rewritten adds about a minute.

After the preview

  • Changes you make (Studio, IILA, Manage site) go live by themselves about 30 seconds after your last edit.
  • Publishing takes about 2–5 minutes: a production build (1–2 minutes on its own), then Chirai opens the live site to check it.
  • Mobile apps are compiled by Expo’s build service: usually 15–20 minutes, longer when its queue is busy.

Waiting well

  • You don't have to watch. Close the tab — the build continues and appears under My Apps.
  • The Studio shows the minutes left, based on the step the build is on.
  • While you wait, write down your real content: product names and prices, your business address and GSTIN, photos. You'll need them in Manage site.