How to Write a Simple Web App Using Cursor in Under 2 Hours

Building a web app can often feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a solo founder or indie hacker. You might think you need extensive coding knowledge or a big team to get started. But what if I told you that you could create a simple web app using Cursor, an AI coding tool, in under 2 hours? In 2026, thanks to advancements in tools like Cursor, building web applications has never been more accessible for the solo builder.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

• Cursor Account: Sign up for a free account on Cursor (free tier available).
• Basic Understanding of HTML/CSS/JavaScript: While Cursor simplifies the coding process, having a foundational understanding will help you troubleshoot.
• A Code Editor: I recommend using Visual Studio Code, which is free and widely supported.

Step 1: Set Up Your Cursor Environment

First, you’ll want to set up your environment to use Cursor effectively.

1. Installation: Download and install Cursor from their website. The installation takes about 10 minutes.
2. Create a New Project: Open Cursor and create a new project. Select the web app template to get started quickly.

Expected Output

You should see a basic project structure with folders for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Step 2: Define Your Web App's Purpose

Before writing any code, clarify what your web app will do. For example, let’s say we want to create a simple to-do list app.

Key Features to Include

• Add tasks
• Mark tasks as completed
• Delete tasks

Step 3: Write Your Code with Cursor

Now comes the fun part. Using Cursor, you can generate code snippets quickly.

1. Generate HTML: Type “Create a simple HTML structure for a to-do list app” in Cursor. It will generate the basic HTML for you.
2. Generate CSS: Type “Add some basic styles for a to-do list” to get a simple CSS template.
3. Generate JavaScript: Finally, type “Write JavaScript to handle adding and removing tasks.” This will set up the core functionality.

Expected Output

You should have three files: index.html, styles.css, and app.js, populated with code.

Step 4: Test Your Web App

1. Open Your HTML File: In your code editor, right-click on index.html and select “Open with Live Server” (you might need a Live Server extension for this).
2. Interact with the App: Add, complete, and delete tasks to see if everything works as expected.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• CSS Not Loading: Check if the link to your CSS file in the HTML is correct.
• JavaScript Errors: Open your browser's developer console to view any errors and debug them.

Step 5: Deploy Your Web App

Once you’re happy with your app, it’s time to deploy it.

1. Choose a Hosting Service: For simple projects, I recommend using GitHub Pages (free) or Netlify (also free for small projects).
2. Follow the Hosting Instructions: Each service has clear documentation. Typically, you’ll need to push your code to a GitHub repository and link it to the hosting service.

Expected Outcome

Your web app should now be live and accessible via a URL.

What’s Next?

After launching your app, consider the following:

• User Feedback: Gather feedback from friends or potential users to improve the app.
• Iterate: Use the feedback to add features or fix bugs.
• Explore Monetization: If your app gains traction, think about how you can monetize it.

Conclusion: Start Here

Building a simple web app using Cursor in under 2 hours is totally achievable. By following this guide, you can leverage AI to streamline your coding process and focus more on your app’s unique value.

If you’re still hesitant, remember that the biggest barrier is often just starting. So, jump in, and don’t be afraid to experiment!