How to Build a Simple Web App with AI Tools in Just 2 Hours

Building a web app can feel like an overwhelming task, especially for indie hackers and solo founders. The good news? With the right AI tools, you can create a simple yet functional web app in just two hours. In this guide, I’ll share the exact tools you need, how to use them, and what pitfalls to avoid. Let’s dive in!

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s what you’ll need:

1. A basic understanding of HTML/CSS: No need to be a pro, but familiarity helps.
2. An account on the following tools: Most of these offer free tiers.
3. A browser and a code editor: I recommend using VSCode for coding.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Web App

Step 1: Define Your App Idea

Before you jump into coding, take a moment to outline what your web app will do. For instance, a simple task manager or a weather app. Keep it basic; you can always add features later.

Step 2: Choose Your AI Tools

Here’s a list of AI coding tools that can help you build your app quickly:

| Tool Name | What it Does | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |------------------|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------| | ChatGPT | Generates code snippets based on prompts | Free tier + $20/mo pro | Quick coding assistance | Limited to text-based interactions | We use this for generating quick HTML/CSS snippets. | | Replit | Online IDE with collaborative features | Free tier + $7/mo pro | Coding and sharing code | Can be slow for larger projects | Great for quick prototyping. | | Bubble | No-code platform to build apps visually | Free tier + $29/mo pro | No-code web apps | Limited customization compared to coding | We don’t use this because we prefer coding. | | Vercel | Deployment platform for frontend frameworks | Free tier + $20/mo pro | Deploying frontends | Limited serverless functions on free tier | We use this for easy deployment. | | Zapier | Automates workflows between apps | Free tier + $19.99/mo pro | Connecting APIs | Can get expensive with more tasks | Useful for connecting APIs without coding. | | Figma | Design tool for UI/UX prototyping | Free tier + $12/mo pro | Designing interfaces | Not for coding, just design | Essential for UI design. | | OpenAI Codex | AI that translates natural language to code | Starting at $20/mo | Code generation | Requires prompts to work effectively | We use it for complex code generation. | | GitHub Copilot| AI-powered code completion | $10/mo | Coding assistance | Not always accurate with context | We use this to speed up coding. | | Postman | API development environment | Free tier + $12/mo pro | Testing APIs | Can be complex for beginners | We use this for API testing. | | Heroku | Cloud platform for building and deploying apps | Free tier + $7/mo pro | Deploying full-stack apps | Free tier has limited resources | Great for backend deployment. | | Notion | Documentation and project management | Free tier + $8/mo pro | Organizing project notes | Not for coding, just documentation | We use this for project management. | | CodeSandbox | Online code editor and prototyping tool | Free tier + $12/mo pro | Rapid prototyping | Limited to frontend frameworks | Good for quick iterations. |

Step 3: Build Your App

Using the tools from the table above, start building your app. For example, if you’re creating a task manager:

• Use ChatGPT to generate initial HTML/CSS for the layout.
• Use OpenAI Codex to write the JavaScript functionality.
• Test your APIs with Postman and deploy using Vercel.

Step 4: Test Your App

Once you have your app up and running, spend some time testing it. Make sure all features work as expected. This step is crucial to ensure a smooth user experience.

Step 5: Deploy Your App

Deploy your web app using Vercel or Heroku. Both platforms offer straightforward deployment processes that can save you time.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Code Errors: Check for typos and syntax errors. Tools like GitHub Copilot can help identify issues.
• Deployment Failures: Ensure your environment variables are set up correctly.
• API Issues: Use Postman to verify your API calls are functioning.

What’s Next?

After launching your app, consider gathering feedback from users and iterating based on their input. You might also want to explore adding more features or learning about scaling your app with additional tools.

Conclusion: Start Here

Building a simple web app with AI tools is not only possible but also efficient. Start with a clear idea, use the right tools, and follow the steps outlined above. If you stick to the basics, you can have a functional web app in just two hours.

Now, get building!