How to Create Your First App with AI Coding Tools in 60 Minutes

Building your first app can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not a coding whiz. But with the rise of AI coding tools, you can create a functional app in just an hour. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process using a curated list of AI coding tools that can streamline your development. Let’s dive right in!

Time Estimate: 60 Minutes

You can finish this in about 60 minutes if you follow the steps closely.

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of app concepts (UI, UX)
• A computer with internet access
• Accounts set up on the tools mentioned below

Step-by-Step Process to Create Your App

1. Define Your App Idea

Before you jump into coding, spend a few minutes outlining what you want your app to do. For instance, let’s say we want to create a simple to-do list app.

2. Choose Your AI Coding Tool

Here’s where the magic happens. Below is a list of AI coding tools that can help you generate code quickly.

| Tool Name | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |--------------------|--------------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------------------|----------------------------------| | OpenAI Codex | $0 for limited access, $20/mo for pro | Generating code snippets | May require context for accuracy | We use it for quick prototypes. | | Replit | Free tier + $20/mo pro | Collaborative coding | Limited to web apps in free tier | Great for learning and testing. | | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo | Autocompleting code | Requires GitHub account | It speeds up our workflow. | | Bubble | Free tier + $29/mo pro | No-code web apps | Limited customization | Good for non-coders. | | Thunkable | Free tier + $50/mo pro | Mobile app development | Can get pricey for full features | We don’t use it due to costs. | | AppGyver | Free | No-code app creation | Learning curve | It’s great for MVPs. | | Adalo | Free tier + $50/mo pro | Building mobile apps | Limited integrations | Worth trying for quick builds. | | Appy Pie | $18/mo | Simple app creation | Basic functionality | Not our first choice. | | Voiceflow | Free tier + $15/mo pro | Voice app development | Focused on voice apps | We don’t use it for standard apps.| | Glitch | Free | Collaborative web apps | Limited features | Fun for quick experiments. | | Figma | Free tier + $15/mo pro | UI/UX design | Not a coding tool | We design our UI here first. | | Zapier | Free tier + $19.99/mo | Automating workflows | Limited to integrations | Useful for backend automation. | | OutSystems | $0-20/mo for indie scale | Enterprise-grade apps | Complexity for simple apps | Powerful but can overwhelm beginners. | | FlutterFlow | Free tier + $30/mo pro | Building mobile apps visually | May require some coding knowledge | Good for visual learners. |

3. Generate Your Code

Using a tool like OpenAI Codex or GitHub Copilot, you can start generating code based on your defined app idea. Input prompts like “Create a simple to-do list app in React” and let the AI do its work.

4. Build the UI

If you’re using a no-code tool like Bubble or Adalo, drag and drop elements to create your app’s UI. For coding, use the generated code to build out your components.

5. Test Your App

Once you have your app built, it’s crucial to test it. Use tools like Replit for quick testing or deploy it locally for more thorough testing.

6. Deploy Your App

Deploying can be done easily if you’re using no-code platforms. For code-based apps, consider using Vercel or Netlify for deploying your web apps for free.

7. Iterate Based on Feedback

After deployment, gather feedback and make necessary adjustments. Use tools like Figma for design iterations or Zapier to automate user feedback collection.

What Could Go Wrong

• AI-generated code bugs: Sometimes the code generated may not work as expected. Always test thoroughly.
• Overreliance on no-code: While no-code tools are great, they can limit your app’s potential if you want complex functionality.

What’s Next

Once you’ve built your first app, consider expanding its features or exploring other tools for more complex projects. You can also check out our podcast, Built This Week, for practical insights on the tools we’re testing and products we’re shipping.

Conclusion: Start Here

To create your first app in 60 minutes, start with a clear idea, choose the right AI coding tool from the list above, and follow the outlined steps. It’s about finding the right balance between speed and functionality.

Once you’ve built your app, iterate based on feedback and don’t be afraid to experiment with different tools as your skills grow.