What is the first step in building a Mendix application from scratch?

The first step in building a Mendix application from scratch is defining the project. This foundational step involves establishing the goals, scope, and key functionalities of the application. It sets the direction for subsequent activities, ensuring that all design and development efforts are aligned with the project's objectives. During this phase, important factors such as user requirements, business needs, and the target audience are identified.

By clearly defining the project upfront, developers can create a solid framework that will guide the design of the domain model and the user interface later on. It acts as a roadmap for the project, allowing for more organized and efficient development. Without a well-defined project, future steps like designing the user interface or creating the domain model may lack coherence and clear purpose, potentially resulting in an application that does not fully meet user needs or expectations.