How to Create a Simple App Using AI Coding Tools in Under 2 Hours

Building an app sounds daunting, especially if you're a beginner. But what if I told you that with the right AI coding tools, you could create a simple app in under 2 hours? In 2026, the landscape of AI tools has evolved significantly, making it easier than ever for indie hackers and side project builders to jump into app development without needing a computer science degree.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before we dive in, let’s outline what you’ll need:

1. A laptop or desktop: Preferably with a stable internet connection.
2. Basic understanding of programming concepts: While AI tools simplify coding, some familiarity helps.
3. An account with at least one AI coding tool: We'll discuss several options below.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your App

Step 1: Choose Your AI Coding Tool

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

| Tool Name | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |--------------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | OpenAI Codex | $20/mo, free tier available| Simple app prototypes | Limited to coding support only | We use this for quick coding tasks. | | Replit | Free tier + $10/mo pro | Collaborative coding | Performance can lag on heavy apps | Great for learning and prototyping. | | Bubble | Free tier + $29/mo pro | No-code app development | Limited customization | We use this for rapid MVPs. | | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo | Code suggestions and completion | Not standalone; needs IDE | Essential for our coding workflow. | | Thunkable | Free tier + $50/mo pro | Mobile app development | Complexity for advanced features | We don’t use this due to cost. | | Adalo | Free tier + $50/mo pro | Building web and mobile apps | Limited integrations | Good for non-technical users. | | AppGyver | Free for indie developers | Enterprise-grade apps | Steeper learning curve | We love the potential for complex apps.| | Appy Pie | $19/mo | Simple mobile apps | Limited functionality | Good for absolute beginners. | | Pipedream | Free tier + $19/mo pro | Workflow automation | Can be complex for simple tasks | We don’t use it for app development. | | FlutterFlow | Free tier + $30/mo pro | Building Flutter apps | Requires Flutter knowledge | We find it powerful but complex. |

Step 2: Define Your App’s Purpose

Before you start coding, determine what your app will do. Keep it simple! A to-do list app or a weather app can be great beginner projects.

Step 3: Use the AI Tool to Generate Code

Once you have your tool and idea, use it to generate code. For instance, if you're using OpenAI Codex, you can type commands like "Create a simple to-do list app in Python" and let the AI generate the boilerplate code.

Step 4: Customize Your App

Add your personal touch by modifying the generated code. This could be changing colors, adding features, or refining the user interface.

Step 5: Test Your App

Run your app to test its functionality. Make sure everything works as expected. Use tools like Postman for APIs or browser dev tools for web apps to check for errors.

Step 6: Deploy Your App

Finally, deploy your app using platforms like Heroku or Vercel for web apps, or publish to the App Store/Google Play for mobile apps.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Error Messages: If you encounter errors, check the code generated by the AI tool carefully. Sometimes, it might need slight modifications.
• Slow Performance: If your app runs slowly, consider optimizing your code or simplifying features.
• Deployment Issues: Ensure you follow the specific guidelines for the platform you're using to deploy your app.

What’s Next?

Once you’ve built your first app, consider enhancing it with more features or exploring more complex projects. You could also start learning the fundamentals of programming to gain more control over your projects.

Conclusion: Start Here

If you're a beginner looking to create an app quickly, I recommend starting with Bubble for no-code development or OpenAI Codex for a coding approach. They offer the right balance of simplicity and power for quick iterations.

Building your first app doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and a clear plan, you can achieve it in under 2 hours.