How to Build Your First App in 5 Days Using AI Coding Tools

If you're a solo founder or a side project builder, the thought of creating an app can feel overwhelming—especially if you lack a coding background. But what if I told you that you could build a functional app in just five days using AI coding tools? In 2026, these tools have evolved to make app development accessible to anyone willing to put in the time. Let's break down how you can do this, step by step.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before diving into the build, here’s what you’ll need:

• Basic understanding of programming concepts: You don’t need to be a pro, but knowing what variables and functions are will help.
• A computer with internet access.
• An account with AI coding tools: Some of these have free tiers, while others may require a subscription.
• A clear idea for your app: What problem does it solve? Who is your target user?

Day 1: Planning Your App

Define Your App’s Purpose and Features

Start by outlining what your app will do and the key features it should have. Keep it simple—focus on one core function. For example, if you want to build a to-do list app, you might include features like task creation, deadlines, and reminders.

Tools to Use

• Miro (Free + $12/mo for pro): For brainstorming and mapping out your app's features. It’s great for visualizing your ideas.
• Figma (Free + $12/mo for pro): To design your app’s UI. It's user-friendly and perfect for beginners.

Day 2: Setting Up the Development Environment

Choose Your AI Coding Tool

Here’s a breakdown of popular AI coding tools to help you choose the right one:

| Tool Name | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |--------------------|-----------------------------|--------------------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo | Code suggestions for various languages | Limited to VS Code | We use this for quick code snippets. | | OpenAI Codex | Pricing varies, usually $20-50/mo | Building web apps | Not always accurate | We find it helpful for generating functions. | | Replit | Free + $7/mo for pro | Collaborative coding | Limited features on free tier | Great for testing small code snippets. | | Bubble | Free + starts at $25/mo | No-code web apps | Can get complex for advanced features | We don’t use it for complex apps. | | Adalo | Free + $50/mo for pro | Mobile app development | Limited customizations on free tier | Good for simple mobile apps. |

Day 3: Building the App

Start Coding with AI Assistance

Using your chosen AI tool, start coding your app. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Set up your project: Create a new project in your AI coding tool.
2. Code the basic structure: Use the AI tool to generate boilerplate code. For example, if you're using React, you can ask for a basic component structure.
3. Implement features: Focus on one feature at a time. Use the AI tool for code suggestions and debugging.

Expected Outputs

By the end of Day 3, you should have a basic version of your app running, even if it’s just the UI without any backend functionality.

Day 4: Testing and Iterating

Test Your App

Spend this day testing your app’s functionality. Here’s how:

• Run through all features: Make sure everything works as expected.
• Get feedback: Share your app with a few friends or potential users and gather their input.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Issue: App crashes on load: Check your console for errors and debug using your AI tool.
• Issue: Features not working: Use AI suggestions to troubleshoot specific functions.

Day 5: Final Touches and Deployment

Polish and Deploy Your App

1. Add final touches: Improve UI/UX based on feedback.
2. Deploy your app: Use platforms like Vercel (Free + $20/mo for pro) or Netlify (Free + $19/mo for pro) to host your app.

What’s Next?

Once your app is live, consider marketing it. Use social media or platforms like Product Hunt to get the word out.

Conclusion: Start Here

Building your first app in five days is entirely feasible with the right tools and mindset. Start with a clear idea, leverage AI coding tools, and make sure to iterate based on user feedback. Remember, the first version doesn’t have to be perfect—just functional.

What We Actually Use: For our projects, we rely heavily on GitHub Copilot for coding and Figma for design. We also use Vercel for deployment due to its simplicity.

Ready to build your app? Get started today!