Getting Started with Nola

Learn how to access and start using Nola in your Noloco app

Getting started with Nola is simple. This guide will show you how to access Nola and start using her to build your app.

How to Access Nola

Nola is available directly within the Noloco app builder. Here's how to open Nola:

1. Open your Noloco app in Build Mode

2. Look for the Nola tab in the top-left tab of your app studio

3. Click the icon to open the Nola chat interface

That's it! Nola is now ready to help you build.

If you don't see the Nola tab, make sure you're on a supported plan (Free, Starter, Pro, or Business). Some legacy plans don't have access to Nola.

Your First Conversation with Nola

When you first open Nola, you'll see a friendly welcome message and some suggested actions to get started. Here are some great first requests to try:

Example Starter Requests

For New Apps:

• "Help me create a Customers table with contact information"

• "Generate 10 sample records for my Projects table"

• "Set up a basic CRM structure for my business"

For Existing Apps:

• "Link my Customers table to my Orders table"

• "Create a workflow that sends an email when a task is marked complete"

• "Add a dashboard page with charts showing my sales data"

Understanding Nola's Responses

When you make a request, Nola will:

1. Confirm she understands what you're asking for

2. Take action or ask clarifying questions if needed

3. Explain what she did so you can learn and verify

4. Suggest next steps to continue building

Example Conversation

You: "Create a Tasks table"

Nola: "I'll create a Tasks table for you. What fields would you like to include? I suggest:

• Task Name (text)

• Description (long text)

• Due Date (date)

• Status (single select: To Do, In Progress, Complete)

• Assigned To (linked to Users)

Would you like me to proceed with these fields, or would you like to customize them?"

You: "That looks perfect, go ahead"

Nola: "Done! I've created your Tasks table with those 5 fields. The table is now available in your data sources. Would you like me to:

• Create a view to display these tasks?

• Generate some sample data?

• Set up a workflow for task notifications?"

Tips for Communicating with Nola

Be Specific

The more details you provide, the better Nola can help.

❌ Vague: "Add a form" ✅ Specific: "Add a form for creating new customer records that includes name, email, phone, and company fields"

Break Down Complex Requests

For complex tasks, consider breaking them into steps.

❌ Too Complex: "Build me a complete project management system with tasks, clients, timesheets, and invoicing" ✅ Step by Step:

1. "Create a Projects table with name, client, start date, and status"

2. "Now create a Tasks table linked to Projects"

3. "Add a timesheet tracking feature"

Use Natural Language

You don't need special commands or syntax—just talk to Nola naturally.

✅ "Can you help me..." ✅ "I need to..." ✅ "How do I..." ✅ "Show me how to..."

Ask Questions

Not sure how something works? Just ask!

✅ "How do workflows work in Noloco?" ✅ "What's the difference between a rollup and a lookup field?" ✅ "Can you explain permissions to me?"

What Happens When Nola Takes Action

When Nola makes changes to your app:

• Changes are immediate - You'll see them reflected in your app builder

• Changes can be undone - Use Noloco's undo button or manually revert changes

• You stay in control - Nola will ask for confirmation before making major changes

Always review changes Nola makes, especially before publishing your app to your team or clients.

Nola's Current Context

Nola is context-aware, meaning she understands:

• What app you're working on

• What page you're looking at

• What tables and fields you have

• Where you are in the builder

• What you've previously discussed in the conversation

This means you can have natural, flowing conversations without repeating context.

Example: You: "Create a Customers table" Nola: [creates table] You: "Now add an Orders table linked to it" Nola: [knows "it" refers to Customers and creates the link]

When to Use Nola vs. Manual Building

Use Nola When:

• Setting up new data structures

• Generating sample data

• Creating workflows

• Learning new features

• You want to save time on repetitive tasks

Build Manually When:

• Fine-tuning visual design

• Making small tweaks to existing elements

• You want precise control over every detail

• Nola can't yet do what you need her to

Best Practice: Use Nola to get 80% of the way there quickly, then manually fine-tune the remaining 20% to your exact preferences.

Getting Help

If you're not sure what Nola can do, just ask:

• "What can you help me with?"

• "Show me examples of what you can do"

• "Help me understand [feature name]"

Next Steps

Now that you know how to access and communicate with Nola, learn more about what she can do:

What Nola Can DoTips and Best Practices