How to Create a Simple Web Application Using AI Coding Tools in Just 2 Hours
How to Create a Simple Web Application Using AI Coding Tools in Just 2 Hours
Building a web application can feel daunting, especially for beginners. But what if I told you that with the right AI coding tools, you could whip up a simple web app in just two hours? In 2026, the landscape of coding has evolved, making it easier than ever for indie hackers and solo founders to create functional applications without deep technical skills. Let’s dive into how you can leverage AI coding tools to build your first web application quickly and effectively.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start
Before we get into the actual coding, here’s what you’ll need:
- Basic understanding of HTML/CSS/JavaScript - You don’t need to be an expert, but familiarity helps.
- A computer with internet access - All the tools we’ll use are web-based.
- An account with at least one AI coding tool - We'll cover these tools in detail below.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Web Application
Step 1: Choose Your AI Coding Tool
There are several AI coding tools available, but for this tutorial, we’ll focus on a few that are beginner-friendly and effective. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:
| Tool Name | What It Does | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |--------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|----------------------------|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | AI-powered code suggestions within your IDE | $10/mo | Code completion | Limited functionality for non-code tasks | We use this for quick code snippets. | | Replit | Online coding platform with AI support | Free tier + $20/mo pro | Collaborative coding | Free tier has limited features | Great for quick prototyping. | | Codex by OpenAI| AI model that generates code from natural language | $0-20/mo based on usage | Full-stack development | Requires API knowledge | We don’t use it as much due to complexity. | | Tabnine | AI code completion tool that integrates with IDEs | Free tier + $12/mo pro | Boosting productivity | May not support all languages | Useful for JavaScript-heavy projects. | | Pipedream | Connects APIs with minimal code using AI suggestions | Free tier + $25/mo pro | API integrations | Complexity in setup for beginners | We love it for simple API tasks. | | Bubble | No-code tool with AI features for building web apps | Free tier + $29/mo pro | Non-coders | Limited customization options | Ideal for non-technical founders. |
Step 2: Set Up Your Project
- Select your AI tool: For this tutorial, let’s choose Replit for its collaborative features and ease of use.
- Create a new project: Log in to Replit, click on “Create” and select “HTML, CSS, JS” as your project type.
- Use AI suggestions: Start typing the structure of your web app. For example, write
<!DOCTYPE html>and see how the AI suggests the rest of the HTML skeleton.
Step 3: Build the UI
- HTML Structure: Begin by creating a simple layout with a header, main content, and footer. Use AI to help fill in repetitive code.
- Styling with CSS: Add basic styles using CSS. You can ask the AI for styling suggestions or even specific color palettes.
Step 4: Add Functionality with JavaScript
- Basic Interactivity: Use JavaScript to make your web app interactive. For instance, create a button that shows an alert when clicked. The AI can help generate the JavaScript code.
- Debugging: If you run into issues, use the AI to debug your code. It can suggest fixes based on error messages.
Step 5: Deploy Your Application
- Replit Deployment: Once your app is complete, Replit allows you to deploy with a click. Just hit the “Run” button and share your link!
- Testing: Test your application in different browsers to ensure it works as intended.
Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong
- Code Errors: If your app doesn’t run, check the console for error messages. Use AI tools to troubleshoot based on the errors you see.
- Styling Issues: If your layout looks off, double-check your CSS. AI can suggest common fixes for layout problems.
What's Next: Progressing Beyond Simple Apps
After your first web application, consider diving deeper into:
- Adding a backend: Use tools like Firebase or Supabase for database interactions.
- Learning more about APIs: Integrate third-party services to enhance functionality.
- Exploring other frameworks: Try React or Vue.js for more complex applications.
Conclusion: Start Here
Creating a simple web application in just two hours is entirely achievable with the right AI coding tools. Start with Replit for a seamless experience, and don't hesitate to lean on AI for suggestions and troubleshooting. With practice, you’ll be building more complex applications in no time.
What We Actually Use
In our experience, we stick with GitHub Copilot for coding assistance and Replit for quick prototyping. For more complex projects, we explore Codex but find it overwhelming for simpler tasks.
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