How to Convert a Video of a Web App into a React App With Webpack 5 and Babel

TL;DR: Convert a screen recording of a web application into a functional React application using Replay's behavior-driven reconstruction, incorporating Webpack 5 and Babel for modern JavaScript support.

The promise of "screenshot-to-code" tools has been alluring, but the reality often falls short. They generate code based on visual appearances, missing the crucial element of user intent. The result? Non-functional prototypes requiring extensive manual rework. We need a solution that understands behavior, not just pixels.

This is where video-to-code shines. By analyzing video, we can infer user interactions, data flow, and intended functionality. This post explores how to convert a video of a web application into a functional React app, leveraging the power of Replay, Webpack 5, and Babel.

Understanding Behavior-Driven Reconstruction#

Traditional approaches treat UI as a static entity. Replay takes a different approach: Behavior-Driven Reconstruction. It's not just about replicating the look of the application; it's about understanding how it works.

Replay analyzes the video to understand:

• •User clicks and interactions
• •Data input and output
• •Page transitions and navigation flows
• •Underlying application logic

This allows Replay to generate code that accurately reflects the application's intended behavior. Let's dive into how this translates into a functional React application.

Setting Up Your Development Environment#

Before we begin, ensure you have the following installed:

• •Node.js (v16 or higher)
• •npm or yarn
• •A code editor (VS Code recommended)

Step 1: Initialize a New React Project#

Create a new directory for your project and initialize a React app using

. We'll then eject the configuration to gain full control.

bash
npx create-react-app my-replay-app
cd my-replay-app
npm run eject # Or yarn eject

⚠️ Warning: Ejecting is a one-way operation. Make sure you understand the implications before proceeding. It exposes the configuration files, giving you complete control but also requiring you to maintain them.

Step 2: Install Webpack 5 and Babel Dependencies#

Since we ejected

, we'll need to ensure we have the necessary dependencies for Webpack 5 and Babel. While usually handles these, ejecting requires us to manage them directly.

bash
npm install webpack webpack-cli webpack-dev-server babel-loader @babel/core @babel/preset-env @babel/preset-react html-webpack-plugin --save-dev

Or, using yarn:

bash
yarn add webpack webpack-cli webpack-dev-server babel-loader @babel/core @babel/preset-env @babel/preset-react html-webpack-plugin --dev

Step 3: Configure Webpack#

Create a

file in the root of your project. This file will define how Webpack bundles your React application.

javascript
// webpack.config.js
const path = require('path');
const HtmlWebpackPlugin = require('html-webpack-plugin');

module.exports = {
  mode: 'development', // Or 'production' for deployment
  entry: './src/index.js',
  output: {
    path: path.resolve(__dirname, 'dist'),
    filename: 'bundle.js',
    publicPath: '/',
  },
  devServer: {
    static: path.resolve(__dirname, 'dist'),
    port: 3000,
    historyApiFallback: true,
  },
  module: {
    rules: [
      {
        test: /\.js$/,
        exclude: /node_modules/,
        use: {
          loader: 'babel-loader',
          options: {
            presets: ['@babel/preset-env', '@babel/preset-react'],
          },
        },
      },
      {
        test: /\.css$/,
        use: ['style-loader', 'css-loader'],
      },
      {
        test: /\.(png|svg|jpg|jpeg|gif)$/i,
        type: 'asset/resource',
      },
    ],
  },
  plugins: [
    new HtmlWebpackPlugin({
      template: path.resolve(__dirname, 'public/index.html'),
    }),
  ],
};

This configuration tells Webpack how to:

• •
  text

  entry
  : Start bundling from
  text

  src/index.js
  .
• •
  text

  output
  : Output the bundled code to
  text

  dist/bundle.js
  .
• •
  text

  devServer
  : Serve the application from the
  text

  dist
  directory on port 3000.
• •
  text

  module.rules
  : Use
  text

  babel-loader
  to transpile JavaScript files and handle CSS and image files.
• •
  text

  plugins
  : Use
  text

  HtmlWebpackPlugin
  to generate an HTML file that includes the bundled JavaScript.

Step 4: Configure Babel#

Create a

or file in the root of your project. This file will tell Babel how to transpile your JavaScript code.

javascript
// .babelrc
{
  "presets": ["@babel/preset-env", "@babel/preset-react"]
}

or

javascript
// babel.config.js
module.exports = {
  presets: ['@babel/preset-env', '@babel/preset-react'],
};

This configuration tells Babel to use the

and presets, which provide support for modern JavaScript features and React syntax.

Step 5: Update

text

package.json

Scripts#

Modify the

section of your file to include commands for running Webpack.

json
"scripts": {
  "start": "webpack serve --mode development",
  "build": "webpack --mode production",
  "test": "react-scripts test",
  "eject": "react-scripts eject"
}

Now you can start your development server with

or .

Leveraging Replay for Code Generation#

Now comes the crucial step: converting the video into React code. This is where Replay truly shines.

1. •Upload Your Video: Upload the video of your web application to Replay.
2. •Behavior Analysis: Replay analyzes the video, identifying UI elements, user interactions, and data flow.
3. •Code Generation: Replay generates React code based on the analysis, including components, event handlers, and data bindings.
4. •Download the Generated Code: Download the generated code as a React project.

💡 Pro Tip: For best results, ensure your video is clear, well-lit, and demonstrates the key features and user flows of your application.

Integrating Replay-Generated Code#

After downloading the code generated by Replay, you'll need to integrate it into your existing React project.

Step 1: Copy the Components#

Copy the generated React components into your

directory.

Step 2: Update Imports#

Update the import statements in your components to reflect the new file structure.

Step 3: Test and Refine#

Run your application and test the generated components. You may need to refine the code to match your specific requirements.

Replay provides a solid foundation, but manual adjustments are often necessary to achieve the desired level of polish and functionality.

Comparison with Traditional Methods#

Let's compare Replay with traditional screenshot-to-code tools and manual coding:

Addressing Common Concerns#

Code Quality#

The code generated by Replay may not be perfect. It's a starting point, not a finished product. Expect to spend time refining the code, adding comments, and improving the overall structure.

Accuracy#

The accuracy of the generated code depends on the quality of the video and the complexity of the application. Simple applications with clear user flows will yield more accurate results.

Scalability#

Replay is best suited for generating prototypes and MVPs. For large, complex applications, manual coding may still be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Is Replay free to use?#

Replay offers a free tier with limited features. Paid plans are available for more advanced functionality and higher usage limits.

How is Replay different from v0.dev?#

Replay analyzes video, understanding user behavior and generating code based on intent. v0.dev, and similar tools, rely on static screenshots, lacking the dynamic understanding of user interactions. Replay also offers features like Supabase integration and product flow maps, providing a more comprehensive solution.

What types of applications are best suited for Replay?#

Replay is ideal for generating prototypes, MVPs, and simple web applications with clear user flows. It's particularly useful for replicating existing applications or creating new applications based on user behavior observed in videos.

Example Code Snippet#

Here's an example of a React component that Replay might generate based on a video of a simple form:

typescript
// Generated by Replay
import React, { useState } from 'react';

const SimpleForm = () => {
  const [name, setName] = useState('');
  const [email, setEmail] = useState('');

  const handleSubmit = (event) => {
    event.preventDefault();
    alert(`Name: ${name}, Email: ${email}`);
  };

  return (
    <form onSubmit={handleSubmit}>
      <label>
        Name:
        <input
          type="text"
          value={name}
          onChange={(e) => setName(e.target.value)}
        />
      </label>
      <br />
      <label>
        Email:
        <input
          type="email"
          value={email}
          onChange={(e) => setEmail(e.target.value)}
        />
      </label>
      <br />
      <button type="submit">Submit</button>
    </form>
  );
};

export default SimpleForm;

This component captures the basic structure and functionality of a simple form, including input fields, state management, and a submit handler. You can then customize this component to add more advanced features and styling.

Benefits of Using Replay#

• •Faster Development: Generate code in seconds, saving hours of manual coding.
• •Improved Accuracy: Understand user intent and generate code that accurately reflects the application's behavior.
• •Enhanced Collaboration: Share videos and generated code with your team, fostering better communication and collaboration.
• •Reduced Costs: Minimize development time and resources, lowering overall project costs.
• •Multi-page generation: Replay handles complex, multi-page applications.
• •Supabase integration: Seamlessly integrate with Supabase for backend functionality.
• •Style injection: Apply custom styles to the generated code.
• •Product Flow maps: Visualize user flows and interactions.

---

Ready to try behavior-driven code generation? Get started with Replay - transform any video into working code in seconds.