How to Build a Basic API using AI Tools in Under 2 Hours

Building a basic API can seem daunting, especially for indie hackers and solo founders who are often pressed for time. But with the right tools, you can whip up a functional API in under two hours. In this guide, I'll walk you through the process step-by-step, using AI coding tools that save you time and effort.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

• Basic understanding of RESTful APIs: Know what endpoints, requests, and responses are.
• Node.js installed: You can download it from nodejs.org.
• A code editor: VSCode is recommended.
• Postman or a similar tool: For testing your API.

Step 1: Choose Your AI Coding Tool

There are several AI coding tools available that can help you generate code quickly. Here are some options:

| Tool | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |-----------------|-------------------------------|--------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------| | OpenAI Codex | $0-20/mo, depending on usage | Code generation and completion | Requires API key, some learning curve | We use this for quick snippets. | | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo | Code suggestions in real-time | Limited to GitHub repos, not standalone | Great for integration in VSCode. | | Tabnine | Free tier + $12/mo pro | Autocompletion | Less robust than others | We don't use this as much. | | Replit | Free tier + $7/mo pro | Online coding environment | Offline access is limited | Good for quick tests. | | Codeium | Free | Collaborative coding | Features can be basic | We prefer more advanced tools. |

Step 2: Set Up Your Project

1. Initialize your project: Open your terminal and run:

   mkdir my-api
   cd my-api
   npm init -y
   

2. Install Express.js: This will handle your API routing.

   npm install express
   

Step 3: Generate Your API Code

Using your chosen AI tool (let's say OpenAI Codex), prompt it to generate a basic Express.js API. Here's an example prompt:

Generate a simple Express.js API with one endpoint that returns "Hello, World!".

You should get something like this in return:

const express = require('express');
const app = express();
const PORT = process.env.PORT || 3000;

app.get('/', (req, res) => {
  res.send('Hello, World!');
});

app.listen(PORT, () => {
  console.log(`Server is running on port ${PORT}`);
});

Step 4: Run Your API

1. Save the code: Create a file called server.js and paste the generated code into it.
2. Start the server: Run the following command in the terminal:

   node server.js
   

3. Test your API: Open Postman and make a GET request to http://localhost:3000/. You should see "Hello, World!" in the response.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Server not starting: Check for syntax errors in your code. The AI-generated code might have issues if the prompt was unclear.
• Port issues: If port 3000 is in use, change the PORT variable in your code to another number.
• Dependencies not installed: Make sure you ran npm install express correctly.

What’s Next

Once you have your basic API up and running, consider expanding it by adding more endpoints or integrating a database. You could also explore deploying your API using platforms like Heroku or Vercel for public access.

Conclusion: Start Here

Building a basic API using AI tools is not only possible but can be done in under two hours. Start with a simple app, and as you grow more comfortable, expand its capabilities.

If you're interested in other coding resources and tools, check out our podcast, Built This Week, where we share our latest findings and experiences.