Build an AI Agent Builder Platform with Next.js, React & Convex
Most businesses struggle to create custom AI workflows without coding expertise. This full-stack tutorial shows how to build a drag-and-drop agent builder that lets users create complex AI workflows visually. Learn to implement authentication, rate limiting, and deploy a production-ready SaaS platform.
Project Overview
Building custom AI workflows typically requires significant coding expertise, creating a barrier for many businesses. This tutorial solves that problem by creating "Agentify" - a drag-and-drop platform where users can visually construct AI agents without writing code.
The application features a complete SaaS workflow including user authentication, subscription billing, rate limiting, and agent publishing. Users can create agents with conditional logic, API integrations, and customizable output formats.
Key functionality: The platform allows connecting different nodes (API calls, conditionals, loops) to create complex workflows. Each agent can be tested in preview mode before generating embeddable code for integration into other applications.
Technology Stack
The project combines modern web technologies to create a scalable, full-stack application:
- Frontend: Next.js (React framework) with TypeScript and Shadcn UI components
- Database: Convex for real-time data with built-in serverless functions
- Authentication: Clerk for OAuth, email/password login and session management
- Security: Arcjet for rate limiting and bot protection
- Workflow Builder: React Flow for the drag-and-drop interface
This stack was chosen for its developer experience, scalability, and the ability to implement complex features with minimal boilerplate code. Convex's real-time capabilities are particularly valuable for the interactive agent builder interface.
Initial Project Setup
The tutorial begins with creating a new Next.js application using the latest version with TypeScript support. Key setup steps include:
- Initializing the project with
npx create-next-app@latest - Configuring Shadcn UI components for consistent styling
- Setting up custom fonts using Next.js font optimization
- Creating the basic folder structure for pages and components
Pro Tip: Using TypeScript from the start prevents many common bugs. The tutorial explains TypeScript concepts as they're introduced, making it accessible even for developers new to typed JavaScript.
Database Configuration with Convex
Convex provides a complete backend solution with database, file storage, and serverless functions. The tutorial covers:
- Creating tables for users and agents
- Implementing queries and mutations
- Setting up real-time data subscriptions
- Connecting the frontend with the Convex provider
At timestamp 12:45 in the video, you'll see how to create the agent table schema that stores workflow configurations. The schema includes fields for agent ID, name, creation time, and published status.
Authentication System with Clerk
Clerk handles user authentication with just a few lines of code. The implementation includes:
- Google OAuth and email/password login
- Protected routes using Next.js middleware
- User profile management
- Saving user data to Convex DB
- React context for global user state
The tutorial shows how to create custom sign-in/sign-up pages that match the application's design while leveraging Clerk's security features. User data is automatically synced between Clerk and the Convex database.
Dashboard Layout Implementation
The application dashboard features a collapsible sidebar and header component. Key aspects covered:
- Creating reusable layout components
- Implementing responsive sidebar navigation
- Displaying user credits and subscription status
- Building the agent creation interface
The tutorial demonstrates how to structure the dashboard for optimal user experience, with clear sections for agent management, templates, and account settings.
Rate Limiting with Arcjet
Arcjet provides essential protection against abuse while managing free tier usage. The implementation includes:
- Token bucket rate limiting (5000 tokens/month for free users)
- API route protection
- Automatic monthly token refills
- Different limits for paid subscribers
At 25:30 in the video, you'll see how to create the Arcjet configuration that checks token balances before processing requests. This prevents abuse while ensuring fair usage across all users.
Agent Builder Interface
The core feature of the platform is the drag-and-drop agent builder. The tutorial covers:
- Setting up React Flow for the node-based interface
- Creating different node types (API, conditional, loop)
- Implementing node connection logic
- Building the right-side configuration panel
- Adding preview and publish functionality
Key Insight: The tutorial shows how to structure node data to support complex workflows while maintaining simplicity in the UI. Each node type has its own configuration schema stored in Convex.
Watch the Full Tutorial
The complete video tutorial walks through every step of building this platform, including deployment to production. At 18:15, you'll see the weather agent example that demonstrates conditional logic and API integration.
Key Takeaways
This tutorial demonstrates how modern web technologies can combine to create powerful no-code solutions. The finished platform allows users to build complex AI workflows without writing any code, while providing all the features of a production SaaS application.
In summary: You've learned to build a complete AI agent builder with Next.js, Convex, and Arcjet. The platform includes user authentication, subscription billing, rate limiting, and a drag-and-drop interface for creating customizable workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this topic
The tutorial uses Next.js for the frontend framework, React for UI components, Convex as the real-time database, and Arcjet for rate limiting and security. Clerk handles authentication including Google and email/password sign-in.
The platform features drag-and-drop functionality built with React Flow. TypeScript provides type safety throughout the application, while Shadcn UI offers pre-built accessible components.
- Next.js 14 for server-side rendering and routing
- Convex for database and backend functions
- React Flow for the visual workflow builder
- Arcjet for API protection and rate limiting
Users can create agents by dragging nodes onto a canvas and connecting them to form workflows. Each node type (API calls, conditionals, loops) has configurable settings accessed through a right-side panel.
The platform includes a preview mode to test agents before publishing. Workflows execute sequentially from the start node, following connections between nodes based on conditions and logic.
- Drag nodes from the sidebar to the canvas
- Connect nodes to define workflow sequence
- Configure each node's settings and parameters
- Test in preview mode before publishing
Convex DB is used because it provides real-time updates out of the box, type safety, and serverless functions. It combines database, file storage and cron jobs in one platform.
The tutorial shows how to create tables, implement queries, and handle mutations with Convex's simple API. Data updates automatically sync to all connected clients without manual refresh logic.
- Real-time data synchronization
- Built-in serverless functions
- Type-safe queries and mutations
- No need for separate API routes
Arcjet handles rate limiting with a token bucket system. Free users get 5000 tokens/month that refill automatically. The tutorial implements API route protection that checks token balances before processing requests.
Different rate limits can be set for various user tiers. The system prevents abuse while ensuring fair access to platform resources for all users.
- Token bucket algorithm for fair usage
- Monthly token refills (30 day intervals)
- API middleware checks remaining tokens
- Custom limits for paid subscribers
Clerk provides authentication with Google OAuth and email/password options. The tutorial implements protected routes using Next.js middleware. User sessions are managed automatically.
User data from Clerk is saved to Convex DB and made available via React context throughout the application. This allows displaying user-specific content while maintaining security.
- Google, email/password authentication
- Next.js middleware for route protection
- User data synced to Convex DB
- React context for global access
Completed agents generate embeddable JavaScript code that can be copied into any web application. The platform includes a preview mode to test agents before publishing.
Published agents appear in the user's dashboard for future editing. Each published agent maintains version history, allowing rollback to previous configurations if needed.
- Generate embed code for any agent
- Preview functionality before publishing
- Version history for all changes
- Dashboard management interface
The platform includes a freemium model where free users get 5000 tokens/month and can create 2 agents. Paid subscriptions provide 50,000 tokens/month and unlimited agents.
Clerk's billing features handle subscriptions with Stripe integration. The tutorial shows how to implement tiered access based on subscription status while tracking usage metrics.
- Free tier with basic limits
- Paid tiers with increased quotas
- Stripe integration via Clerk
- Usage tracking per account
GrowwStacks specializes in building custom AI automation platforms like the one shown in this tutorial. We can develop a tailored solution with your specific workflow requirements, integrate with your existing tools, and handle deployment.
Our team provides end-to-end development including authentication, database design, and rate limiting implementation. We'll build your platform faster than developing in-house while ensuring scalability and maintainability.
- Custom AI workflow development
- Integration with your existing systems
- Production deployment and scaling
- Ongoing maintenance and support
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