Getting Started
Everything you need to start building your own AI-powered app, in about 10 minutes of setup.
Requirements
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- An AI assistant -- Claude Pro/Max, ChatGPT Plus, or any capable AI tool
- A web browser -- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge
- Course materials -- Free download (link below)
- A problem to solve -- Something in your business that software could fix
You do not need any coding experience, any special software installed, or any technical background. If you can use a web browser and describe what you want in plain English, you are ready.
Setup
Download the Course Materials
Download the course folder. It contains lesson guides, templates, and reference examples you will use throughout.
Pick Your AI Tool
Any modern AI assistant works. The course is designed to be tool-agnostic:
- Claude Pro or Max -- Works great with Cowork mode for file handling
- ChatGPT Plus -- Works well for conversational building
- Other AI tools -- Anything that can help you write and review code
Think About Your Problem
Before lesson 1.2, start thinking about a real problem in your business. Some examples:
- A client intake form that emails you the details
- An internal dashboard to track inventory or orders
- A booking page where customers pick a time slot
- A simple CRM to keep track of leads and follow-ups
- A feedback form that organizes responses for you
The best problems are ones you deal with every week and currently solve with spreadsheets, sticky notes, or manual effort.
Start Lesson 1.1
Open your AI assistant and begin with the first lesson. Say something like:
I'm starting the "Build It Yourself" course, lesson 1.1. Here are the lesson materials: [paste or attach the lesson file]Course Structure
| Lesson | Topic | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1: Your First Build | ||
| 1.1 | Introduction | Meet the course and share your situation |
| 1.2 | Scoping the Problem | Find and scope a problem worth solving |
| 1.3 | Choosing Your Tools | Pick frameworks, databases, and hosting |
| 1.4 | Building the Public Side | Forms, inputs, and customer-facing UI |
| 1.5 | Building the Admin Side | Dashboards and management views |
| 1.6 | Deploying Your App | Go live with free hosting |
| Module 2: Making It Real | ||
| 2.1 | Real-World Iteration | Improve based on feedback |
| 2.2 | Storage, Costs, and Free Tiers | Understand what you pay for |
| 2.3 | Designing for Your User | Make your app intuitive |
| 2.4 | Maintaining and Evolving | Handle bugs and grow responsibly |
Tips for Success
- Build something real. Do not pick a hypothetical project. Pick a real problem you actually have.
- Keep it small. The number one reason first projects fail is scope. Smaller is better.
- Do not try to understand every line of code. You are the architect, not the bricklayer. Focus on what the app does, not how every piece works.
- Take breaks. You can stop and resume anytime. Your AI assistant will pick up where you left off.
- Ask questions. If something is unclear, ask your AI to explain it differently.
Ready?
Head to Module 1 to begin.