How to Build Your First App Using AI Coding Tools in Just 3 Days

Building your first app can feel daunting, especially if you lack coding experience. But with advancements in AI coding tools, it's now possible to develop a functional app in just three days. In this guide, I’ll share the specific tools that can help you along the way, along with my honest assessment of their capabilities and limitations. Let’s dive in!

Prerequisites: What You’ll Need

Before you get started, here’s what you’ll need:

• Basic Idea: A clear concept of the app you want to build.
• AI Coding Tool Access: Sign up for the tools listed below.
• Design Tool: Optional, but tools like Figma can help with UI design.
• Time Commitment: Plan for about 20 hours over three days.

Day 1: Planning and Setting Up Your Environment

1. Define Your App’s Purpose

Spend the morning brainstorming what your app will do. Write down its core features. Keep it simple — the goal is to have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) ready in three days.

2. Choose Your AI Coding Tool

Here are some popular AI coding tools to consider:

| Tool Name | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |--------------------|-----------------------------|----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo | Code suggestions | Limited to certain languages | We use this for code snippets | | Tabnine | Free tier + $12/mo pro | Code completion | Less effective for complex projects | Good for basic coding | | Replit | Free tier + $20/mo pro | Collaborative coding | Performance issues with larger projects | We like it for quick prototypes | | Codeium | Free | Multi-language support | Lacks advanced debugging features | Useful for multi-language apps | | OpenAI Codex | $0-20/mo based on usage | Natural language to code | Can produce incorrect code | Great for generating quick functions | | Ponic | $29/mo, no free tier | Web app development | Limited integrations | We don't use it due to price | | Sourcery | Free tier + $15/mo pro | Code optimization | Limited language support | We don’t use it often | | AI Dungeon | Free | Story-driven apps | Not suitable for conventional apps | Fun for narrative-driven ideas | | Builder.ai | $39/mo | No-code app building | Can get costly for complex apps | We prefer hands-on coding | | Bubble | Free tier + $29/mo pro | No-code web apps | Limited customization compared to code | Useful for MVPs |

3. Set Up Your Development Environment

Choose one of the tools from the table above and set it up. For instance, if you choose GitHub Copilot, install it in your code editor (like VSCode). This will provide you with coding suggestions as you write.

Day 2: Building Your App

4. Start Coding

With your tool set up, start building your app using the features defined on Day 1. Use AI suggestions to speed up the coding process. Here’s a basic workflow:

• Outline your main features: Break them down into manageable tasks.
• Write one feature at a time: Use your AI tool to fill in boilerplate code.

5. Test as You Go

Testing is crucial. Make sure to run your code frequently to catch any issues early. Tools like Replit allow you to run your app in real-time, which is a great way to see your progress.

Day 3: Final Touches and Deployment

6. Polish Your UI

If you’re using a design tool like Figma, create a simple UI based on your app's functionality. Then, implement this design in your code. Use AI tools for CSS or styling suggestions.

7. Deploy Your App

Choose a deployment platform. Here are a few options:

| Deployment Tool | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | |---------------------------|----------------------------|---------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Vercel | Free tier + $20/mo | Frontend applications | Backend support is limited | | Heroku | Free tier + $7/mo | Full-stack apps | Can get complex with scaling | | Netlify | Free tier + $15/mo | Static sites | Limited to static content | | Firebase | Free tier + pay as you go | Scalable backend solutions | Pricing can get high with usage |

Conclusion: Start Here

Building your first app in just three days using AI coding tools is entirely possible. Start by defining your idea, choose the right tools from the lists above, and follow the structured workflow.

If you’re just starting, I recommend using GitHub Copilot for coding assistance and Vercel for deployment. They offer a good balance of features and pricing, especially for indie developers.

Now go ahead, take the plunge, and start building!