WHY THIS HAPPENS (CLEAR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTS)
Firebase Studio currently runs two different Gemini entry points:
IDX Environment (Code Workspace)
Purpose:
Code editing, refactoring, debugging, incremental improvements.
Gemini behavior:
Acts as a code assistant
Anchors to open files and selections
Does NOT suggest app prototyping
Does NOT show “Prototype this App”
This is the environment you want for Banda.
AI Environment (AI Studio / App Builder)
Purpose:
App generation, UI design, prototyping, blueprints.
Gemini behavior:
Assumes greenfield or redesign
Tries to create or improve an app
Automatically offers:
App Blueprint
UI stack
Design system
“Prototype this App” button
This environment is hard-wired to prototyping.
No wording can fully disable that behavior.
THE KEY INSIGHT (THIS IS THE ROOT CAUSE)
The environment decides Gemini’s role before your prompt is read.
So:
In IDX → Gemini = Code Assistant
In AI Environment → Gemini = App Prototyper
Your prompt only influences details, not the mode.
That’s why:
Your same text behaves differently
Safe wording works in IDX
Safe wording fails in AI Environment