How to Use Nano Banana Pro with Opus 4.5 (Complete Guide)

AI Application Development with Opus 4.5 and Nano Banana Pro

Introduction to AI Models

• The speaker introduces recent advancements in AI, highlighting the release of Opus 4.5 as a leading coding model and several image generation models including Nano Banana Pro, Flux 2, and Z-Image Turbo.

• Emphasizes Nano Banana Pro's capability to create images with consistent characters, showcasing an example of a character with tattoos that will be reused across different images.

Image Generation Capabilities

• Demonstrates how uploading an image to Nano Banana Pro allows for generating new images while maintaining character consistency, which is beneficial for creating social media personas or brand promotion.

Prompt Building Challenges

• The speaker expresses difficulty in crafting detailed prompts for image generation and highlights the potential of specifying various elements like camera settings and scene composition.

• Plans to develop an application that simplifies prompt creation by providing users with an intuitive interface for building prompts and managing character avatars.

Project Overview

• Outlines the intention to guide viewers through the project setup process, from planning to production, emphasizing user authentication and file management features.

User Features and Functionality

• Discusses plans for user-generated content storage where generated images can be saved in personal galleries, along with a public gallery option for sharing selected images along with their prompts.

Prerequisites for Development

• Instructs on obtaining an API key from Google Cloud Platform necessary for using Nano Banana Pro, detailing steps such as creating a project and setting up billing accounts.

Setting Up the Project Environment

• Advises on using boilerplate templates to streamline project setup instead of manually installing dependencies; suggests running specific commands in terminal sessions.

Technical Specifications

• Describes the use of Next.js 16 framework combined with Postgres database; mentions additional libraries like Vercel's Blob Storage for file management.

Running the Application Locally

• Explains how to start the project locally using npm or pnpm commands; emphasizes checking environment variables needed for database connection and authentication systems.

This structured markdown summary captures essential insights from the transcript while linking back to specific timestamps for easy reference.

Setting Up a Database and Google Client ID

Starting the Database

• The speaker initiates a new terminal session, renaming it to "database" for clarity.

• To start the database, the command docker compose up -d is executed, which creates and runs the Postgres database.

• Confirmation of the running database can be checked in Docker Desktop; commands are run to set up the database.

Configuring Database Access

• The speaker discusses setting up a Google client ID and secret necessary for authentication within their application.

• They navigate to cloud.google.com to access their project where they created an API key earlier, noting available free credits.

OAuth Consent Screen Setup

• The process begins with setting up an OAuth consent screen by clicking "get started" and completing simple steps.

• After configuring the consent screen, they create a web app client with specific redirect URIs taken from their .env file.

Finalizing Authentication Setup

• Upon creating the client ID and secret, these values are added to environment variables in their application.

• A successful sign-in test confirms that authentication is functioning correctly; users can view their profile information.

Planning Application Features

Discussing Application Ideas

• The speaker transitions into planning mode using voice-to-text features to outline ideas for an image generation application called Nano Banana Pro.

Image Generation Model Strengths

• They highlight that this model excels at generating images with consistent characters based on reference images provided by users.

Challenges in Prompt Creation

• Emphasis is placed on crafting detailed prompts that include various elements like location, lighting, character details, etc., rather than simplistic one-liners.

User Interface Design Considerations

• The envisioned UI will assist users in building complex prompts through intuitive design; avatars can be created without re-uploading images repeatedly.

Structuring UI Layout

• The proposed layout consists of three columns: attributes related to prompts on one side, customizable subjects in another column, allowing easy selection of predefined templates.

User Interface Design for Image Generation Application

Preview and Generation Features

• Users can click the Generate button to view a preview of their prompt while adjusting attributes on the left-hand side, enhancing interactivity.

• The right pane displays generated images with loading indicators, allowing users to see results in real-time. Users can generate multiple images simultaneously, choosing between one to four options.

User Accounts and Image Management

• Users must sign into their accounts to generate images, which will be stored in file storage for easy access later. This feature includes a personal gallery for viewing generated images.

• Images default to private status but can be made public by users who wish to share them. A public-facing gallery will showcase all shared works alongside the original prompts used for generation.

Workflow Insights and Documentation

• The speaker emphasizes an exploratory approach during planning phases, sharing insights about using Opus 4.5 for image generation and linking relevant articles that provide tips for effective use of Nano Banana Pro.

• A new folder named "Nano Banana" is created in documentation containing prompting tips and coding examples that guide application design and attribute settings.

API Integration Considerations

• The discussion highlights the importance of securely storing user-provided API keys rather than using a single key across all users. This ensures better security practices within the application.

• Options are considered regarding how templates should display information (name/description), whether users can save favorite configurations as presets, and if creator profiles should accompany public gallery images.

Finalizing Application Requirements

• The speaker expresses a desire not to monetize the service directly but instead allows users to bring their own API keys, emphasizing secure management through user profiles.

• Suggestions are made regarding removing unnecessary components from the boilerplate project to streamline development focused on core functionalities related to image generation.

Implementation Plan and Workflow for API Key Encryption

Overview of Implementation Changes

• The implementation plan has been updated to include encryption for API keys, utilizing an encryption key for both encrypting and decrypting these keys.

• Acknowledgment of the context window usage at 70%, indicating the need to manage conversation length effectively to implement the application.

Managing Context and Project Structure

• The agent is instructed to store the planned changes as an implementation plan in the project directory, switching to change mode before executing a custom command.

• The command create-feature is executed, which creates a new subfolder within a specs folder along with two essential files: a requirements file and an implementation plan.

Phased Implementation Strategy

• The implementation plan is organized into phases with actionable tasks, allowing for easier management and review of code changes.

• Implementing one phase at a time helps maintain clarity in the context window and facilitates effective code reviews without overwhelming complexity.

Troubleshooting Cloud Code Issues

• Discussion on potential issues when running cloud code in IDE, including unexpected stops or crashes; suggests using PowerShell as an alternative solution.

• Recommendations for installing the cloud code extension for improved stability and functionality during development.

Completion of Implementation Phases

• Confirmation that phases one through three have been completed successfully, with all tasks marked as complete in the implementation plan.

• Instructions provided on how to continue implementing subsequent phases by clearing chat history and reintroducing project folders.

Final Steps Before Deployment

• After completing all phases, it’s necessary to add a new environment variable (encryption key), ensuring secure handling of API keys during production deployment.

• Request made to generate a value for this encryption secret variable before finalizing updates in the .env file. A thorough code review is also requested post-completion.

Code Review and Testing Application Functionality

Code Implementation and Initial Testing

• The code review confirmed that all 12 phases of the application were properly implemented, indicating no issues were found, and the application is production-ready.

• Upon testing the home page, it was noted that a public gallery contained dummy data. After signing out and attempting to sign back in, the user was incorrectly redirected to a non-existent dashboard page instead of the expected generate page.

Issue Resolution with Redirects

• A request was made to fix the redirect issue after signing in, ensuring users are taken to the correct generate page.

• After addressing this issue, successful redirection to the generate page was achieved. The gallery indicated no images available as expected since avatars had not yet been created.

API Key Integration Challenges

• An attempt to save an API key failed during testing; error messages were reviewed for troubleshooting.

• After providing additional context about the error message received when saving the API key, a subsequent attempt succeeded in storing it correctly.

Database Verification and Image Generation Setup

• Accessing Drizzle Studio confirmed that the stored API key was encrypted differently than expected from AI Studio.

• The prompt builder interface allowed for selecting styles and subjects for image generation. An avatar named "Luna" was created with specific characteristics.

Generating Images: Initial Attempts and Errors

• Various parameters such as style (photo realistic), location (cafe), lighting (cinematic), camera angle (close up), pose (leaning), action (laughing), and expression were set for generating an image.

• An initial attempt at generating an image resulted in errors; further investigation into server logs was conducted for resolution.

Troubleshooting with Claude AI

• Communication with Claude revealed that there was confusion regarding model names used during implementation which deviated from provided SDK examples.

• After clarifying these details with Claude, adjustments were made leading to successful image generation on retry.

Enhancements Needed Post Image Generation

• Although images could now be generated successfully, issues remained such as inability to view images in full screen mode or having only avatar names injected into prompts instead of detailed descriptions.

• Suggestions for improvements included enhancing how avatars are represented in prompts and enabling full-screen viewing options post-image generation.

Engagement Request

• While concluding thoughts on enhancements were shared, viewers were encouraged to provide feedback on video content preferences by liking or subscribing.

Saving and Managing Presets in the Application

Introduction to Preset Functionality

• The speaker notes the absence of a feature to save presets, emphasizing the need for this functionality.

• After implementing the save presets button, users can now store their selected values, enhancing usability.

Gallery Features and User Interaction

• Users can view their generated images in a private gallery; clicking on an image reveals its full prompt and settings.

• Transitioning from private to public galleries allows users to see prompts alongside user information when viewing images.

Enhancements in Image Display

• The current model displays images small; suggestions are made to enlarge images while keeping prompts and settings smaller below them.

• A proposal is made for a separate page dedicated to searching and viewing all public images, including user profiles with publicly available content.

Community Engagement Features

• Ideas include showing top contributors and allowing users to like images, which would lead to displaying most liked images prominently.

Improvements in Prompt Builder Interface

• The speaker suggests replacing dropdown menus with a modal featuring individual cards for better interaction.

• Testing reveals that liking an image is straightforward; clicking a heart icon adds likes seamlessly.

User Experience Enhancements

Addressing Usability Issues

• Users can navigate directly to other users' public galleries by clicking on usernames, improving community interaction.

• An issue arises where scrolling through cards in the modal is not possible due to clipping at the bottom of the page.

Finalizing Project Changes

• After extensive work resulting in over 109 file changes, a checkpoint is created for version control purposes.

Project Deployment Preparation

Commit Changes and Documentation Updates

• A commit captures all recent changes, ensuring that progress can be rolled back if necessary.

• The clod.md file is updated after clearing outdated content from previous projects, reflecting current project status accurately.

Repository Creation for Public Access

• The speaker prepares to deploy the project by creating a new repository named "nano banana pro prompt generator," making it publicly accessible for others.

Deploying Applications with Vercel

Pushing Changes to GitHub

• The speaker copies commands and runs them in a new terminal to push changes to the GitHub repository, confirming successful updates by refreshing the repository view.

• A request is made to update the README file to reflect the actual application instead of placeholder content from a border plate project.

Setting Up Production Environment

• The easiest deployment method discussed is using Vercel; users are instructed to create an account on Vercel.com and start a new project.

• The process involves importing the created repository and copying environment variables from the .env file into Vercel's settings for proper configuration.

Configuring Database and Environment Variables

• Instructions are provided for creating a Postgres database within Vercel, emphasizing ease of setup through their interface.

• The speaker highlights the need for unique Google client ID and secret values for production, advising viewers on how to set these up in Google Cloud Platform.

Handling File Storage in Production

• A critical point is made about local file storage not being viable in production; external storage solutions must be used instead, specifically mentioning blob storage options available through Vercel.

• Steps are outlined for creating blob storage in Vercel, including naming conventions and pasting necessary values into environment variable fields before deploying.

Finalizing Deployment and Testing Application

• After addressing issues with database migration errors during deployment, the project is successfully deployed, providing a public-facing URL for access.

• Viewers are reminded to add this URL as an authorized redirect URI in Google Cloud Platform settings alongside other necessary API configurations.

Verifying Functionality Post Deployment

• Successful authentication is demonstrated by signing into the application after deployment.

• The speaker tests functionality by saving an API key and generating an avatar image based on user input parameters, showcasing that all features work as intended.

The Power of Image Generation and Background Tasks

Expanding Presets and Capabilities

• The speaker emphasizes the limitless potential for adding various presets in image generation, highlighting flexibility in customization.

• A significant feature discussed is the ability to generate images as background tasks, which enhances efficiency and user experience.

• The speaker references a previous video on using InJest for image generation, suggesting viewers check it out for more detailed insights.

• The overall tone is optimistic about the advancements in technology that allow for such capabilities, indicating a trend towards more powerful tools.

• The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to engage further by watching related content linked in the description.