How to Write Your First Program Using AI Tools in Under 1 Hour

If you're a beginner looking to dip your toes into coding, the prospect of writing your first program can feel daunting. But with the rise of AI tools, this process has become more accessible than ever. In fact, you can write your first program in under an hour—yes, really. Let's break down how to do this using practical tools and steps that we've found effective.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting

1. A Computer: Windows, Mac, or Linux will work.
2. Internet Connection: To access online AI coding tools and resources.
3. Basic Understanding of Programming Concepts: Familiarity with variables, loops, and functions is helpful but not required.

Time Estimate: 1 Hour

You can realistically complete this in about 60 minutes, provided you have everything set up beforehand.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your First Program

Step 1: Choose Your AI Tool

Here are some of the best AI coding tools available in 2026:

| Tool Name | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |-------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot| $10/mo (individual) | Autocomplete code suggestions | May require some coding knowledge | We use this for quick code hints. | | Replit | Free tier + $7/mo pro | Collaborative coding | Limited features in free tier | Great for real-time collaboration. | | Codeium | Free | Code generation | Less context-aware than others | Useful for generating snippets. | | Tabnine | Free tier + $12/mo pro | Code completion | Can be inaccurate at times | We rely on it for faster coding. | | OpenAI Codex | $20/mo | Natural language to code | Requires API knowledge | Powerful but complex. | | Kite | Free | Python code suggestions | Limited to Python | Good for Python-specific tasks. | | Ponicode | Free tier + $10/mo pro | Testing code | Setup can be tricky | We use it for unit testing. | | AI Dungeon | Free | Creative coding | Not typical coding tool | Fun for exploring coding ideas. | | Codex AI | $29/mo, no free tier | General coding assistance | Expensive for casual use | Not our first choice due to cost.| | DeepCode | Free | Code review | Limited language support | Helpful for catching bugs. |

Step 2: Set Up Your Environment

1. Sign Up: Choose one of the AI tools from the table above and create an account.
2. Install Necessary Extensions: For tools like GitHub Copilot or Tabnine, you might need to install browser or IDE extensions.

Step 3: Start Your First Project

1. Open Your Tool: Launch the AI coding tool you selected.
2. Create a New File: Start with a simple file, like hello_world.py for a Python program.
3. Write Your First Line of Code: Type print("Hello, World!").
4. Use AI Suggestions: As you type, let the AI tool suggest completions or improvements.

Step 4: Run Your Program

1. Execute the Code: Depending on the tool, you can either run the code directly in the IDE or copy it to your terminal.
2. Check the Output: You should see "Hello, World!" printed out.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong?

• Error Messages: If your code doesn't run, check for typos or syntax errors.
• AI Tool Not Responding: Refresh the page or restart the tool.
• Output Not Showing: Ensure you are running the correct file.

What's Next?

After your first program, consider exploring:

• More Complex Programs: Try adding user input or functions.
• Join Coding Communities: Platforms like Replit or GitHub have forums where you can ask questions and get feedback.
• Check Out Our Podcast: For ongoing tips and tool recommendations, listen to episodes from Built This Week.

Conclusion: Start Here

Writing your first program is entirely achievable in under an hour with the right AI tools. If you're starting, I recommend using Replit for its collaborative features and simplicity. Pair it with GitHub Copilot for an enhanced coding experience.

Don't hesitate to dive in and experiment—coding is all about trial and error, and AI can help you learn faster than ever.