How to Code a Simple App Using AI Assistants in Under 2 Hours

Building a simple app has never been easier, thanks to the rise of AI coding assistants. If you’re a beginner or an indie hacker looking to ship something quickly, you might think that learning to code takes ages. But let me tell you, with the right tools, you can put together a basic app in under 2 hours. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process and share the tools that will help you leverage AI to get your app built.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

• A computer with internet access
• Basic understanding of programming concepts (variables, functions, etc.)
• An account on at least one AI coding platform (we’ll cover these tools shortly)

Step 1: Choose Your App Idea

Keep your app idea simple. Think of something that solves a small problem or fulfills a basic need. For example, a to-do list app, a simple weather app, or a basic calculator. In our experience, starting small allows you to focus on functionality without getting overwhelmed.

Step 2: Select Your AI Coding Assistant

Here’s where the magic happens. Below is a list of AI coding assistants that can help you build your app quickly. Each has its strengths, weaknesses, and pricing structures.

| Tool Name | What It Does | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |--------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|---------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | AI-powered code suggestions in VS Code | $10/mo, free trial available| Beginners using VS Code | Limited to VS Code, may suggest incorrect code | We use this for rapid prototyping. | | ChatGPT | Conversational AI for code generation | Free, Plus $20/mo | General programming inquiries | May require manual adjustments to generated code | Great for brainstorming and debugging. | | Replit | Online IDE with built-in AI assistance | Free tier + $7/mo pro | Quick prototypes | Limited advanced features in the free tier | Ideal for quick demos. | | Codeium | AI code completions and suggestions | Free tier + $19/mo pro | Full-stack development | Performance can lag with complex projects | Useful for backend coding.| | Tabnine | AI code completion for many IDEs | Free tier + $12/mo pro | Multi-language support | Less effective for niche languages | We don't use this because it lacks depth. | | Sourcery | Code review and suggestions | Free, $19/mo for pro | Code quality improvement | Limited to Python, not a full IDE | Good for cleaning up code. | | Ponic | AI chatbot for coding help | Free tier + $15/mo pro | Learning to code | May not understand complex queries | Good for beginners. | | Codeium | AI code completions across platforms | Free tier + $19/mo pro | Full-stack development | Performance can lag with complex projects | Useful for backend coding.| | OpenAI Codex | Language model for coding tasks | $0.002 per token | API integrations | Requires API knowledge for best use | Powerful but complex. | | Jupyter Notebooks | Interactive coding with AI support | Free | Data science projects | Not suitable for app deployment | We use this for data-related projects. |

Step 3: Build Your App

1. Set Up Your Development Environment:

   • Choose your IDE (VS Code, Replit, etc.)
   • Install any necessary plugins for your AI assistant.

2. Start Coding:

   • Use your AI assistant to generate code snippets.
   • For example, ask ChatGPT to provide a basic to-do list app structure in JavaScript.

3. Test as You Go:

   • Run your app regularly to catch issues early.
   • Use GitHub Copilot to suggest fixes when you encounter errors.

4. Iterate:

   • Keep adding features based on your initial idea.
   • Don't hesitate to ask your AI assistant for help with specific features or bugs.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Code Errors: If your app doesn’t run as expected, check for syntax errors and ensure you're using the correct libraries.
• AI Suggestions: Sometimes, AI may suggest code that doesn’t fit your need. Be prepared to tweak the suggestions manually.
• Time Management: If you find yourself stuck on one part, move on and come back later. It’s easy to lose track of time.

What’s Next? Progression After Your First App

Once you’ve built your first app, consider the following next steps:

• Deploy Your App: Use platforms like Heroku or Vercel for easy deployment.
• Gather Feedback: Share your app with friends or online communities to get user feedback.
• Iterate: Use feedback to improve your app. Explore adding new features or refining the user interface.

Conclusion: Start Here

If you’re ready to dive in, pick an AI coding assistant from the list, choose a simple app idea, and start building. The world of coding is more accessible than ever, and with the right tools, you can create something valuable in just a couple of hours. Remember, the key is to keep it simple and iterate as you go.