Providing a web application that allows users to build applications by interacting with visualizations of code portions. A first application is generated that provides a user interface that includes at least a canvas that comprises a creation area within the user interface in which a user can create a second application. The user interface also includes one or more controls that allow a user to interact with visualizations of code portions using gestures to thereby create the second application on the canvas. The canvas allows a user to create the second application from scratch, such that no template to create the second application is provided. At least one of the one or more controls allows a user to input declarative code in the creation of the second application.