How to Build a Simple Web App in 90 Minutes with AI Coding Tools

Building a web app can feel daunting, especially for beginners who might not know where to start. The good news? With the rise of AI coding tools, you can create a functional web app in just 90 minutes. Yes, you read that right! In this guide, I'll walk you through the process, recommend tools, and share my experiences to help you get started without the usual headache.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting

Before jumping into the build, make sure you have the following:

• A computer with internet access
• Basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (don’t worry if you don’t; tools will handle most of it)
• Accounts set up for the recommended tools (I'll list them below)

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Web App

Step 1: Choose Your Web App Idea (10 minutes)

Decide on a simple idea that you want to implement. It could be a to-do list, a weather app, or a note-taking tool. Keep it straightforward; complexity can wait for later iterations.

Step 2: Set Up Your Development Environment (15 minutes)

Use an AI coding tool to set up your project. Here are a couple of options:

• Replit: An online IDE that supports collaborative coding.

  • Pricing: Free tier + $7/mo for pro features.
  • Best for: Quick projects and collaboration.
  • Limitations: Limited to simpler apps; can get sluggish with larger projects.
  • Our take: We use Replit for quick prototypes but switch to more robust tools for larger apps.

• GitHub Codespaces: Provides a complete development environment in the cloud.

  • Pricing: $0 for basic usage, $18/mo for more extensive use.
  • Best for: Developers comfortable with Git and looking for a full IDE experience.
  • Limitations: Requires familiarity with version control; can be overwhelming for absolute beginners.
  • Our take: Best for those already in the GitHub ecosystem.

Step 3: Generate Code with AI Tools (30 minutes)

Now it’s time to leverage AI to write your code. Here are some tools to consider:

• GitHub Copilot: An AI pair programmer that suggests code snippets as you type.

  • Pricing: $10/mo.
  • Best for: Developers familiar with code who want to speed up their workflow.
  • Limitations: Suggestions can sometimes be off-target; requires some tweaking.
  • Our take: We love it for reducing boilerplate code.

• OpenAI's ChatGPT: Use it to generate snippets or entire functions based on your descriptions.

  • Pricing: Free tier + $20/mo for ChatGPT Plus.
  • Best for: Beginners who need help understanding code.
  • Limitations: Might not always produce optimal code; requires validation.
  • Our take: Great for brainstorming and debugging.

Step 4: Integrate Frontend and Backend (20 minutes)

Choose a simple backend service like Firebase or Supabase to manage data and authentication.

• Firebase: Offers real-time database and authentication.

  • Pricing: Free tier + pay-as-you-go for extra features.
  • Best for: Real-time applications and easy setup.
  • Limitations: Can become costly with scale; complex pricing model.
  • Our take: We use Firebase for quick builds but watch costs closely.

• Supabase: An open-source alternative to Firebase.

  • Pricing: Free tier + $25/mo for scaling.
  • Best for: Developers looking for SQL database solutions.
  • Limitations: Still maturing; some features may be less polished.
  • Our take: We appreciate the SQL interface for data management.

Step 5: Test and Deploy (15 minutes)

Use tools like Vercel or Netlify for deployment. They automate the process and are beginner-friendly.

• Vercel: Great for static sites and serverless functions.

  • Pricing: Free tier + $20/mo for pro features.
  • Best for: React applications and static sites.
  • Limitations: Limited support for non-React frameworks.
  • Our take: We deploy most of our frontends here due to ease of use.

• Netlify: Similar to Vercel, with a focus on CI/CD.

  • Pricing: Free tier + $19/mo for pro features.
  • Best for: JAMstack sites.
  • Limitations: May have limitations on serverless function execution.
  • Our take: We prefer Vercel for its simplicity but use Netlify for some projects.

Step 6: Review and Iterate (10 minutes)

After deploying, take a moment to review your app. Gather feedback from friends or potential users. Make notes on what you want to improve, and plan your next steps.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Deployment Issues: If your app doesn't deploy, check your build settings or environment variables.
• Functionality Bugs: Use the console to debug errors in your code; AI tools can help you fix them.
• User Feedback: If users find the app confusing, consider a simple onboarding tutorial.

What's Next?

Once your app is live, think about adding features based on user feedback. Consider moving to a more robust stack if you plan to scale.

Conclusion: Start Here

If you're looking to build a simple web app quickly, start with Replit and GitHub Copilot. These tools streamline the process and allow you to focus on your idea rather than getting bogged down in technical details. Remember, the key is to keep it simple, iterate based on feedback, and most importantly, have fun building!