From an idea to your first app with AI

This lesson outline shows how a ThinkDecoded video sits alongside written guidance. The video itself will appear here once it is published.

1. Choose one small problem

For a first project, try a personal reading list. It needs an input for a title, a list of saved items, and a way to mark something as read. Keep the first version focused.

2. Describe the behavior

Explain what a person should be able to do. Include what happens when an input is empty and what should happen after refreshing the page.

3. Build in small steps

Ask AI for the simplest working version. Run it, try it, and describe what needs to change. Ask for an explanation of unfamiliar parts before adding more features.

4. Try to break it

Test an empty title, a long title, repeated clicks, and a small screen. Check that the application behaves as you intended, even when someone uses it differently.

5. Explain what you built

Before moving on, describe where the data lives and how the main interaction works. If you cannot explain it yet, use that as the next learning question.