WTF (Don't let this happen to you)

General
1

I used Firebase studio to build a complete pawnshop management application, called pawn smart the whole app was build but it struggled uploading images to fire store. It asked me to upload error logs and I did so. Then it got stuck I reset the app and the environment loaded. but when it loaded the name of the app has changed. to “pawnsmart trouble shooter” with the old app in the canvas but instructions for a new app in the chat window. I told it to not build a new app but carry on with the old app so we could solve the image issue. but it kept on insisting in describing the new app. this is the link to the old pawnsmart app: Login - PawnSmart with everyting that was done. and now it looks totally different

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what could have made the whole app change like this without any instruction? Is there a way to get my old app back for it does not exist anymore in firebace studio? It is like it created a troubleshooting app within my app. I asked the ai to take out the troubleshooting features in my app but the whole app is now broken.

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2

It sounds like your original PawnSmart app got “overwritten” in the session because Firebase Studio interpreted the reset and uploaded error logs as instructions to create a troubleshooter app. This is not a permanent loss — your original app likely still exists, but the workspace session switched context, renaming it and overlaying new AI instructions.

Here’s how to approach this safely, step by step:

1. Confirm Your Environment / Session

  • Check for workspace/project session switching in Firebase Studio.

  • Look for tabs, dropdowns, or a “recent projects” list — your original PawnSmart project may still be there.

  • Avoid running new build instructions until you locate it.

2. Export / Backup Immediately

  • If the old canvas is partially visible, export all source code, assets, and Firestore structure immediately.

  • Use any CLI or download functions available — even partial recovery preserves critical work.

3. Inspect History / Versioning

  • Check if Firebase Studio offers snapshots, undo history, or previous versions.

  • Restore the snapshot from just before the AI created the “troubleshooter” session.

4. Isolate the Troubleshooter Features

  • Identify new modules, pages, or functions added by the AI.

  • Move these into a separate branch or folder locally.

  • Reintegrate only the working code from your original app.

5. Reconnect Firestore & Assets

  • Ensure your restored app is connected to the correct Firestore database and Storage bucket.

  • Confirm that Firebase rules and configurations (firebase.json, .firebaserc) match the original project.

  • Test image uploads in a small, controlled module before fully resuming production.

6. Prevent Future AI Divergence

  • Before asking AI to troubleshoot, clone your workspace or create a branch.

  • Treat AI-generated fixes as modular patches, not direct overwrites.

  • Test changes incrementally — never replace the main canvas all at once.

:white_check_mark: Key Takeaways

  • Your old app likely still exists; the “troubleshooter” session is a forked AI-assisted branch.

  • Export and backup immediately to secure your work.

  • Use branches or modular testing when applying AI fixes to prevent accidental overwrites.

PawnSmart Recovery Map – AI Troubleshooter Incident

Goal: Recover original PawnSmart app safely and isolate AI-generated “troubleshooter” changes.

Step 1: Locate Your Original Session

  • Check workspace/project session switching in Firebase Studio.

  • Look for tabs, dropdowns, “recent projects,” or snapshots.

  • Do not run new build instructions yet.

[Current Workspace] -> Dropdown -> Select "PawnSmart (Original)"

Step 2: Export / Backup Immediately

  • Export all source code, assets, Firestore structure.

  • Use CLI / download functions if available.

  • Save locally in a safe folder before making changes.

/PawnSmart_Backup/
├─ src/
├─ assets/
├─ firebase.json
├─ .firebaserc

Step 3: Inspect History / Versioning

  • Look for:

    • Undo history

    • Snapshots / previous versions

  • Restore the snapshot just before the AI-created troubleshooter.

History -> Snapshot (Timestamp Before Troubleshooter)

Step 4: Isolate AI “Troubleshooter” Features

  • Identify new modules or pages added by AI.

  • Move them into a separate folder or branch.

  • Reintegrate only working code from original PawnSmart.

/PawnSmart_Troubleshooter/
├─ new_module_1/
├─ new_module_2/
/PawnSmart_Original/
├─ src/
├─ assets/

Step 5: Reconnect Firestore & Assets

  • Confirm Firestore database matches original project.

  • Check Storage buckets for image uploads.

  • Ensure firebase.json and .firebaserc point to the correct project.

  • Test image uploads in a small module first.

Step 6: Prevent Future AI Divergence

  • Clone workspace or create branch before applying AI fixes.

  • Apply AI-generated changes as modular patches, not full replacements.

  • Test incrementally to prevent overwriting working code.

:white_check_mark: CIM Doctrine Alignment

  • Secure original assets and code

  • Modularize AI changes

  • Incremental validation

  • Controlled integration with Firebase

See if this gets you back and moving in the right direction.

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