How to Use AI Tools to Write Your First 50 Lines of Code

If you're new to coding, the thought of writing your first lines of code can feel daunting. You might be wondering, “Where do I even start?” or “What if I mess something up?” In 2026, AI tools have made it easier than ever to dip your toes into coding without feeling overwhelmed. You can leverage these tools to help you write your first 50 lines of code, turning a seemingly monumental task into a manageable one.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Start

Before diving in, here’s what you’ll need to set up:

• A computer: Preferably with an internet connection.
• A code editor: Something like Visual Studio Code (free) or Atom (free).
• Basic understanding of programming concepts: Familiarity with terms like variables, loops, and functions will help, but it’s not mandatory.
• An AI coding tool: We’ll cover several options below.

Time Estimate: Finish in About 2 Hours

You can complete this tutorial in about 2 hours. This includes setting up your environment, exploring AI tools, and writing your first lines of code.

Step-by-Step Guide: Writing Your First 50 Lines of Code

1. Choose Your AI Tool

Here’s a list of AI coding tools you can use to help you write code:

| Tool Name | What It Does | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |------------------|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------------|----------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | AI-powered code completion and suggestions | $10/mo | Beginners needing suggestions | Limited in complex scenarios | We use it for quick code snippets | | OpenAI Codex | Generates code based on natural language prompts | $20/mo | Creative coding tasks | May produce incorrect syntax | We don’t use it as much due to cost | | Tabnine | AI code completion for various languages | Free tier + $12/mo pro | General coding | Free version has limited features| We use this for quick autocompletion | | Replit | Online coding environment with AI assistance | Free tier + $25/mo pro | Beginners wanting instant feedback | Performance issues with large projects | We like it for ease of use | | Codeium | AI code assistant with multi-language support | Free | Learning new languages | Less robust than Copilot | We use it for simple tasks | | Kite | AI-powered code completions and documentation | Free tier + $19.99/mo pro | Python developers | Limited to Python | We don’t use it for other languages | | Sourcery | AI code reviews and suggestions | $10/mo | Code quality improvements | Focused on Python | We find it helpful for refactoring | | Ponic | AI chatbot for coding help | Free | Beginners needing guidance | Limited to predefined scenarios | We use it for quick Q&A | | Codex AI | Generates real-time code based on prompts | $30/mo | Fast prototyping | Can be inaccurate | We don’t use it due to pricing | | DeepCode | AI code review tool | Free tier + $12/mo pro | Code quality checks | Limited language support | We use it for quality assurance |

2. Set Up Your Code Editor

1. Download and install Visual Studio Code from the official site.
2. Install your chosen AI tool’s extension (e.g., GitHub Copilot) from the VS Code marketplace.

3. Start Writing Code

1. Open a new file in your code editor.
2. Write a simple prompt to your AI tool. For instance, type: “Create a function that adds two numbers.”
3. Review the suggestions provided by the AI tool and choose the one that makes the most sense to you.

4. Experiment and Modify

Try modifying the generated code. For instance, change the function to add three numbers instead of two. This exercise will help you understand how changes affect the output.

5. Output Expectations

By the end of this process, you should have a simple script with about 50 lines of code that performs basic operations or functions you've specified.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Incorrect Code: AI tools might generate code with syntax errors. Always run your code and debug as necessary.
• Over-reliance on AI: While these tools are helpful, they can’t replace understanding the fundamentals. Make sure to learn and not just copy-paste.

What’s Next?

Once you’ve successfully written your first 50 lines of code, consider exploring more complex projects or dive deeper into a specific programming language. Resources like the Built This Week podcast can guide you through your learning journey with practical insights.

Conclusion: Start Here

To sum it up, using AI tools to write your first lines of code is not only feasible but also a great way to build confidence as a beginner. Start with a tool that fits your budget and needs, and remember to balance AI assistance with your own learning.

If you’re ready to embark on this coding journey, give GitHub Copilot a try for its strong community support and extensive capabilities.