How to Use AI Tools to Write Your First 100 Lines of Code in 1 Hour

Getting started with coding can feel overwhelming, especially for beginners. You might be thinking, “How can I possibly write code when I have no experience?” But what if I told you that with the right AI tools, you can write your first 100 lines of code in just one hour? In 2026, AI coding tools have evolved to a point where they can help you bridge the gap between no knowledge and tangible output.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

• A laptop or desktop computer: Preferably running Windows, macOS, or Linux.
• An internet connection: AI tools typically require online access.
• A code editor: I recommend using Visual Studio Code (free) or any other editor you're comfortable with.

Step 1: Choose Your AI Coding Tool

There are several AI coding tools available, each with unique features and pricing. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best options:

| Tool Name | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |--------------------|----------------------------|-------------------------------|---------------------------------------|------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo (free trial available) | Code suggestions and completions | Requires GitHub account | We use it for quick code suggestions. | | Tabnine | Free tier + $12/mo pro | Autocompletion for multiple languages | Limited to common patterns | Not as versatile as Copilot, but useful. | | Codeium | Free | Code completions and snippets | Less accurate than paid tools | Great for beginners on a budget. | | Replit | Free tier + $7/mo pro | Online coding environment | Limited features in the free tier | We use it for collaborative projects. | | ChatGPT | Free tier + $20/mo pro | Conversational coding help | Not specifically designed for coding | Use it for brainstorming and clarifications. | | AI Dungeon | Free | Creative coding challenges | Primarily a game, not a coding tool | Fun for inspiration, but not practical. | | Codex | $0-20/mo based on usage | Natural language to code | Requires API integration | Powerful but complex to set up. | | Sourcery | Free | Code quality improvement | Focused on existing code, not new | We don’t use this for beginners. | | CodeGeeX | Free | Code generation from prompts | Limited language support | Good for Python projects. | | DeepCode | Free + $19/mo pro | Code review and suggestions | Focused on existing code | Useful for refining code. | | Ponic | $15/mo | Real-time collaboration | Requires a stable internet connection | We don't use this for solo projects. | | PyCharm | $0-199/year | Python development | Can be heavy on resources | Great for Python, but not for quick tests. | | Jupyter Notebook | Free | Data science projects | Not ideal for web development | Excellent for Python data projects. | | Glitch | Free + $10/mo pro | Rapid prototyping | Limited to web apps | We love using this for quick web projects. | | CodeSandbox | Free tier + $15/mo pro | Frontend development | Limited backend capabilities | We use it for frontend MVPs. |

Step 2: Set Up Your Environment

Once you’ve chosen your AI tool, it’s time to set up your development environment. Here’s how:

1. Install your code editor: Download and install Visual Studio Code or your chosen editor.
2. Sign up for the AI tool: If it requires an account, complete the signup process.
3. Set up any necessary extensions: For example, if you’re using GitHub Copilot, install the extension in VS Code.

Step 3: Start Coding with AI Assistance

Now the fun begins! Here’s a simple project you can work on to write your first 100 lines of code: a basic to-do list application.

1. Open your code editor and create a new file called todo.js.
2. Use your AI tool to generate code. For example, you can type: “Create a simple to-do list app in JavaScript” and let the tool generate the initial structure.
3. Modify the generated code to suit your needs. For instance, add features like adding and removing items.

You should aim for around 100 lines of code, which can include functions, comments, and simple HTML if you’re building a web app.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Code Not Working: If your app doesn't run, check for syntax errors. Most AI tools will give you hints about potential issues.
• Too Much Code Generated: Sometimes, AI tools generate unnecessary code. Don't hesitate to simplify or remove sections that don’t fit your project.
• Confusion on Functionality: If you don’t understand what a piece of generated code does, ask your AI tool for explanations.

What's Next: Building on Your Foundation

Congratulations! You’ve just written your first 100 lines of code. Here’s what to do next:

• Expand your to-do list app: Add features like saving to local storage or enabling user authentication.
• Learn more about coding: Consider resources like online courses or coding bootcamps to deepen your understanding.
• Join a community: Engage with other builders on platforms like Discord or Reddit to share your progress and get feedback.

Conclusion: Start Here

The journey into coding can start with just a few lines, and using AI tools can make it significantly easier and more enjoyable. Choose one of the tools listed, follow the steps outlined, and you’ll be on your way to writing your first lines of code in no time.

If you’re looking for a recommendation, I’d suggest starting with GitHub Copilot for its comprehensive support and community backing.