How to Build a Basic App Using AI Code Assistants in Under 2 Hours

Building an app might sound daunting, especially if you're just starting out or are a solo founder juggling multiple side projects. But with the rise of AI code assistants, it’s now possible to whip up a simple app in under 2 hours. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process, share the tools you can use, and provide some honest insights from our experience.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

Before diving into the actual building, let's make sure you're set up for success:

• Basic understanding of programming: While AI tools can handle much of the coding, a foundational knowledge of programming concepts will help you tweak your app.
• A code editor: I recommend Visual Studio Code (free) or any IDE you're comfortable with.
• An account with an AI code assistant: Choose from the tools listed below.
• A simple app idea: Think of something basic, like a to-do list or a weather app.

Step-by-Step: Building Your App

Step 1: Choose Your AI Code Assistant

Here’s a breakdown of some popular AI code assistants that can help you get started quickly:

| Tool Name | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |----------------|--------------------------|------------------------------|--------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo | Code suggestions & snippets | Limited language support | We use this for quick snippets. | | Tabnine | Free tier + $12/mo pro | Autocompletion | May struggle with complex logic | It’s great for JavaScript, not so much for Python. | | Codeium | Free | Full code generation | Less mature than others | Worth trying if you're on a budget. | | Replit | Free tier + $7/mo pro | Online coding environment | Limited offline capabilities | Great for quick prototypes. | | OpenAI Codex | $20/mo | Natural language to code | API costs can add up | We don’t use it due to costs. | | Sourcery | Free tier + $19/mo pro | Python code improvement | Only for Python | Helpful for improving existing code. | | Ponic | $29/mo | Node.js projects | Not suitable for front-end frameworks | We don’t use it; too niche. |

Step 2: Set Up Your Project

1. Create a new folder for your app and open it in your code editor.
2. Initialize a Git repository (optional but recommended) using git init.
3. Create an index.html file for your front end.

Step 3: Use Your AI Assistant

1. Write a comment describing the feature you want. For example, “Create a simple to-do list app with add and delete functionality.”
2. Let the AI code assistant generate the code. Most tools will provide suggestions as you type or offer to complete code blocks.
3. Test and tweak the code: Run your app using a local server (you can use Live Server in Visual Studio Code for this).

Step 4: Finalize Your App

1. Style your app using CSS. You can ask the AI assistant to generate basic styles.
2. Add any final touches and test the app thoroughly. Make sure all functionalities work as expected.

Expected Outputs

By the end of this process, you should have a basic app running locally, with features that respond to user inputs correctly.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Code not functioning as expected: Double-check the logic in your code. AI assistants can misunderstand your requests.
• Styling issues: If the design looks off, tweak the CSS manually.
• Deployment problems: If you plan to host your app, make sure you choose a hosting service compatible with your tech stack.

What's Next: Progressing from Here

Once your basic app is up and running, consider:

• Adding more features: Use your AI assistant to brainstorm and implement additional functionality.
• Learning from feedback: Share your app with friends or potential users and gather feedback for improvements.
• Exploring deployment options: Look into platforms like Vercel or Netlify for hosting your app for free.

Conclusion: Start Here

Building a basic app using AI code assistants can be a straightforward process if you approach it with a clear plan and the right tools. Start with a simple idea, leverage an AI assistant for coding, and you’ll have a functional app in under 2 hours.

For our own projects, we often use GitHub Copilot and Replit for quick iterations and prototyping. They strike a balance between functionality and ease of use, especially for indie builders like us.