Build an App Similar to Airbnb with Bravo Studio and Xano. #NoCode (Android & iOS) - Part1

In this tutorial, we'll guide you through building a rental marketplace application similar to Airbnb using Xano for the backend and a no-code tool like Bravo Studio for the frontend UI. We'll cover key features like user authentication, property listings, search functionality, reservation management, and more.

Setting Up the Frontend UI

Let's start by setting up the frontend UI using a design tool like Figma or Adobe XD. We'll create pages for user authentication (sign-up and login), property listings, listing details, reservation form, user reservations, and user profile.

Preparing the Design File for a No-Code Tool

Before importing your design into a no-code tool like Bravo Studio, you'll need to "Bravorize" or make it compatible with the platform. Follow these steps:

1. Add Bravo Tags: Add specific text strings (Bravo tags) to the layer names in your design file. These tags will turn into native mobile functions in Bravo Studio. Start with the innermost layers (UI elements like buttons, text, images) and work your way outward.
2. Create Containers: Identify areas of each page that will have different behaviors and create containers (frames) around them using the frame tool. Ensure all UI elements within a container are inside the frame.
3. Add Page Links: Add navigation links between pages to enable seamless navigation within your app.

Here's an example of how you might Bravorize the sign-up page:

• Add the `input email` and `input password` tags to the email and password input fields, respectively.
• Add the `Submit Action button` tag to the submit button.
• Create a container (frame) around the entire design and add the `container` tag to it.

Repeat this process for each page in your design, adding relevant Bravo tags, creating containers, and linking pages as needed.

Setting Up the Backend with Xano

With the frontend UI ready, let's move on to setting up the backend using Xano. Here's how you can approach it:

Modeling the Database

The database is the heart of your application, so start by modeling it in Xano. Consider the main entities you'll need, such as users, listings, and reservations. Create tables for each entity and define their relationships (e.g., one user can have multiple listings and reservations).

Building APIs and Logic

Next, think about the functionality you'll need to power the different pages and features in your app. For example:

• Listings View: Retrieve a list of available property listings from the database.
• Search: Enable searching through listings based on location, property type, description, etc.
• Listing Details: Fetch and display details of a specific listing, including integrating with external APIs (e.g., weather API) to show relevant information.
• Reservations: Implement logic for making reservations, including calculating the total cost based on the number of nights and the nightly rate.
• User Reservations: Retrieve and display a list of reservations made by the logged-in user, sorted by upcoming dates.
• User Profile: Fetch and display user information, including options to update profile details and log out.

Build APIs and write the necessary logic in Xano to handle these functionalities, taking advantage of features like data modeling, authentication, and external API integration.

Connecting the Frontend and Backend

With the frontend UI and backend logic in place, it's time to connect them. In Bravo Studio (or your chosen no-code tool), you'll need to:

1. Import the Design File: Import the Bravorized design file you created earlier.
2. Set Up Data Requests: For each page or component that needs to interact with the backend, set up data requests to the corresponding APIs you built in Xano. This will fetch the required data and populate the UI components accordingly.
3. Bind Data to UI: Once the data is fetched, bind it to the relevant UI elements in your design. This will ensure that the displayed information is dynamic and updates based on the data from your backend.
4. Handle User Interactions: Set up event handlers for user interactions like form submissions, button clicks, and navigation between pages. These events should trigger the appropriate data requests and update the UI as needed.

By following this process, you'll create a fully functional rental marketplace application with a seamless user experience powered by Xano's backend and a visually appealing UI built with a no-code tool.

Remember, this is a high-level overview of the process. As you work through each step, you'll encounter specific challenges and requirements that you'll need to address. Consult the documentation and seek support from the Xano and Bravo Studio communities if you get stuck.

Happy building!