Building with Kiln
Use Kiln AI to write code, create features, and ship work.
Kiln can write, execute, and test code in a secure sandboxed environment. This makes it possible to go from a product requirement to a working implementation in a single conversation.
How it works
When you ask Kiln to build something, it follows a natural workflow.
Analysis
Kiln analyzes your request and project context. If working with an existing codebase, it scans the file structure, dependencies, and conventions first.
Execution
Kiln creates or modifies files, runs commands, and iterates on the implementation. You see every action in real time.
Preview
For web applications, Kiln can start a development server and show you a live preview directly in the workspace panel.
Workspace panel
The workspace panel appears alongside the conversation when Kiln is working with files.
File tree
Browse all files in the sandbox environment. Click any file to view its contents.
Terminal output
See the output of every command Kiln runs — installs, builds, tests, and server logs.
Browser preview
For web projects, preview the running application directly in the panel.
Sandbox environment
Kiln executes code in isolated Firecracker microVMs powered by E2B.
Isolation
Each session gets its own sandboxed environment with a dedicated file system, terminal, and networking. Nothing touches your local machine.
Capabilities
The sandbox supports file operations (read, write, patch), shell commands, development servers, package installation, and browser automation.
Persistence
File snapshots are saved so you can return to a previous session's work.
GitHub integration
Kiln can interact with your connected GitHub repositories directly.
Repository operations
Clone repositories, create branches, and push code changes — all from conversation.
Pull requests
When Kiln creates a pull request, you'll see a PR card in the conversation with a direct link to review it on GitHub.
Code review
Kiln can review existing pull requests, suggest improvements, and explain changes.
Approval workflow
For sensitive actions, Kiln requests your approval before executing.
Approval cards
An approval card shows exactly what Kiln plans to do — which files will change, which commands will run, or which issues will be modified. Review the details and approve or reject.
Safe by default
Destructive operations, bulk updates, and external actions (like pushing code or creating PRs) always require approval. Read operations and conversational responses happen immediately.