How to Build a Simple Web App Using AI Coding Assistants in Under 2 Hours

Building a web app used to feel like a monumental task, especially if you’re a solo founder or indie hacker. But with the rise of AI coding assistants, that’s all changed. You can now whip up a functional web app in under two hours. Sounds too good to be true? Let’s break it down.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

Before diving in, here’s what you’ll need:

1. Basic Coding Knowledge: Familiarity with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS will help, but it’s not mandatory.
2. An AI Coding Assistant: We’ll look at a few options shortly.
3. A Code Editor: Something like Visual Studio Code or even an online editor like CodeSandbox.
4. A Web Hosting Service: Services like Vercel or Netlify are great for deploying your app for free.
5. Time: Set aside about 2 hours to get everything done.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Web App

Step 1: Choose Your AI Coding Assistant

Here’s a comparison of popular AI coding assistants you can use to help you build your web app:

| Tool Name | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo | General coding assistance | Limited language support | We use it for quick code snippets. | | Tabnine | $12/mo | JavaScript and Python | Less intuitive than Copilot | Good for autocomplete but not as robust. | | Codeium | Free tier + $19/mo pro | Team collaboration | Limited free tier features | We don’t use it because the free tier is too limiting. | | OpenAI Codex | $20/mo | Complex queries | Requires API integration | We use it for specific tasks. | | Replit | Free tier + $7/mo pro | Rapid prototyping | Free tier has limited features | Great for quick demos. | | Sourcery | $0-25/mo, depending on usage | Python code improvement | Python only | We don’t use it because we focus on JS. |

Step 2: Define Your App’s Purpose

Before writing any code, you need to know what your app will do. Keep it simple! For instance, let's say you want to build a to-do list app. This will help you focus your coding and make it easier for the AI to assist.

Step 3: Set Up Your Development Environment

1. Open Your Code Editor: Launch Visual Studio Code or your chosen editor.
2. Create a New Project Folder: Name it something relevant, like "ToDoApp".
3. Initialize a Git Repository (optional): Run git init in your project folder if you want version control.

Step 4: Write Code with AI Assistance

Here’s where the magic happens. Using your AI coding assistant:

1. Start with HTML: Ask your AI to generate a simple HTML structure for your app. For example, “Generate a basic HTML template for a to-do list app.”

   • Expected Output: Basic HTML with a header, input field, and a button.

2. Add CSS: Next, request a CSS stylesheet to style your app. Something like, “Generate CSS for a simple to-do list app.”

   • Expected Output: Basic styles for layout and aesthetics.

3. Implement JavaScript: Finally, ask for JavaScript code to make your app functional. For example, “Write JavaScript to add tasks to a to-do list.”

   • Expected Output: JavaScript code that handles adding and removing tasks.

Step 5: Deploy Your App

Once you have your code ready:

1. Push to GitHub (if using version control).
2. Deploy on Vercel or Netlify: These services allow you to connect your GitHub repo and deploy your app in just a few clicks.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong?

1. Code Errors: If the AI-generated code doesn’t work, double-check for syntax errors.
2. Deployment Issues: Ensure your hosting service is properly linked to your GitHub repo.

What’s Next?

Once your app is live, consider adding features like user authentication or a database for storing tasks. This will provide a more robust experience and a better product to showcase.

Conclusion: Start Here

If you’re looking to build a web app quickly, leveraging an AI coding assistant is the way to go. Start with a simple project, use the tools mentioned, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in under two hours.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we primarily use GitHub Copilot for coding assistance due to its versatility and robust support for various programming languages. For deployment, Vercel is our go-to because it integrates seamlessly with our workflow.