How to Build Your First App in 30 Minutes Using AI Coding Tools

In 2026, building your first app doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the rise of AI coding tools, you can actually create a functional app in just 30 minutes. The challenge for many indie hackers and solo founders is figuring out which tools to use and how to make them work for you. We've been there—spending way too long on setups and configurations, only to end up frustrated. Today, I'm breaking down the best AI coding tools that can help you get your first app off the ground quickly and efficiently.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before diving in, ensure you have the following:

1. Basic programming knowledge: Familiarity with concepts like variables and functions will help, but you don’t need to be a pro.
2. A computer with internet access: You’ll be using cloud-based tools.
3. An idea for your app: It can be simple—a to-do list, a weather app, or something more niche.

Time Estimate: 30 Minutes

You can finish this in 30 minutes if you follow the steps closely. Let's break it down.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your App

Step 1: Choose Your AI Coding Tool

Here’s a quick comparison of some of the leading AI coding tools you can use:

| Tool Name | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |----------------|------------------------------|------------------------------|----------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Replit | Free tier + $20/mo pro | Quick prototyping | Limited backend capabilities | We use it for quick demos. | | Glitch | Free, $10/mo for private apps| Collaborative coding | Performance issues with large apps| Good for small projects. | | CodeGen | $29/mo, no free tier | Code generation | Complex setups can be tricky | We don’t use it due to cost. | | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo per user | IDE integration | Requires GitHub knowledge | Essential for our workflow. | | Bubble | Free tier + $29/mo for pro | No-code app building | Limited customization | Great for non-coders. | | Adalo | Free tier + $50/mo for pro | Mobile app creation | Limited templates | Good for simple apps. | | AppGyver | Free for indie developers | Full-stack app development | Steep learning curve | We recommend it for flexibility. | | OutSystems | $2,500/year for personal use | Enterprise-level apps | Expensive for solo founders | Not suitable for small projects. | | Thunkable | Free tier + $25/mo for pro | Mobile app prototyping | Limited to mobile | We use it for quick mobile apps. | | FlutterFlow| Free tier + $30/mo for pro | Flutter app development | Requires some Flutter knowledge | Great for those familiar with Flutter. |

Step 2: Set Up Your Development Environment

1. Create an account on your chosen platform (e.g., Replit or Bubble).
2. Choose a template that closely resembles your app idea. This saves time and gives you a head start.
3. Familiarize yourself with the interface. Spend a few minutes clicking around to understand where everything is.

Step 3: Build Your App

1. Add features: Using the drag-and-drop interface (if applicable), add the necessary components like buttons, text fields, and images.
2. Customize: Adjust colors, fonts, and layouts to match your vision.
3. Integrate APIs: If your app needs external data (like weather info), look for a built-in API integration option.

Step 4: Test Your App

1. Preview your app in the platform’s testing environment.
2. Check for bugs: Click through all features to ensure everything works as expected.
3. Make adjustments: Fix any issues you encounter during testing.

Step 5: Publish Your App

1. Follow the platform’s publishing guidelines to deploy your app.
2. Share the link with friends or potential users for feedback.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• App not loading: Check your internet connection or try refreshing the page.
• Features not working: Double-check your APIs and integration settings.
• Design issues: Use the platform’s help resources or community forums for guidance.

Conclusion: Start Here

Building your first app doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By choosing the right AI coding tool and following these steps, you can have a functional app ready in just 30 minutes.

For beginners, I recommend starting with Bubble or Thunkable for their user-friendly interfaces and strong community support. If you’re looking for a quick prototype, Replit is a solid choice.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we primarily use GitHub Copilot for coding assistance and Bubble for no-code projects. This combo allows us to move quickly while still having the flexibility we need.