HACKER Q&A
📣 gdizzle

Is it possible to build an app from the ground up without coding?


I'm trying to build a basic prototype of a consumer social app and wondering if we're at a point where it's possible for me (non-technical) to actually do this using Claude, ChatGPT, no-code tools, etc. and without knowing how to code.

I fully realize the irony in that there's a high concentration of technical people on this site and therefore this may be a stupid place to ask this, but I bet you're have a better understanding of what's possible than me so here goes.

1. How far can you get using Claude, ChatGPT, etc. for helping code something from the ground up?

2. What other tools would you consider using to help you with this that can be used without coding?

  👤 verdverm Accepted Answer ✓
I have seen some other HN posts where users asked why they were struggling to do something similar. The core of the issue is that the LLMs reliably generate buggy code and you won't know how to deal with it. Professional devs mostly use LLMs as a better search tool, less so to write large amounts of code, let alone full applications.

You can probably get further with a no-code tool. The issues here are

- crafting the experience that stands out and can create network effect

- performance & cost, most of these tools are OK to start with, but will not scale with real-world usage

- if successful enough, you will have to rebuild from scratch with professional developers, low-code tools are not how these devs work, you'll also need to deal with the perf/cost issues at the same time

👤 fragmede
these days my advice is to just learn to code. it's not that hard with ChatGPT's help. you can totally do it. think of it like cooking. just like you should know how to cook dinner for yourself, you should know how to write a computer program. doesn't have to be a Michelin star level dinner, but everyone should still know the basics.
👤 reify
Totally possible!

you could use a sheet of paper and draw an app sketch with coloured crayons

then fold it into a nice app shape and hold it together with some pretty sticky tape

Job done!

You dont need any AI

👤 illuminant
Just think like a designer, start with story boards, use cases, mockups.

Begin with modest expectations and refined your process.