Build an App from Scratch with ChatGPT (Vibe Coding)

Build an App with ChatGPT

Why App Development Feels Different Now

“Programming looks so hard.”
“I can’t even write a single line of code.”

If that sounds familiar, here’s some good news: we’ve entered an era where you can build apps with zero coding experience—thanks to ChatGPT.

The secret is called vibe coding.
It’s a new approach where you share your ideas and feelings with ChatGPT and let the app grow step by step alongside you.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to create an app from start to finish with ChatGPT (GPT-5). By the end, you might find yourself thinking: “Wait, I could actually do this too.”


Step 1: Preparing ChatGPT and Your Workspace

Forget about complicated setup—just have these basics ready:

  • ChatGPT Plus (to access the latest model)
  • A computer (Windows or Mac, both work)
  • A code repository (free services like GitHub or Replit are perfect)

Here’s a simple first prompt you can use to kick things off:

“I’m a beginner who wants to build an app. Please guide me step by step and write the code as we go.”

With just that, ChatGPT will become both your mentor and co-developer.


Step 2: Turning Your Ideas into Code

Now, let’s start building. The process is simpler than you might think:

  1. Share your idea
    Example: “I want to make a simple diary app.”
    → ChatGPT suggests the structure and initial code.

  2. Request adjustments
    Example: “Add a login function” or “Simplify the screen.”
    → ChatGPT provides modified code and explanations.

  3. Save your code
    Using GitHub makes version control smooth and beginner-friendly.

All you really need to do is tell ChatGPT what you want. It does the heavy lifting.


Step 3: Leveling Up with Codex

Let ChatGPT draft the initial framework—basic screens and data handling.
Once that’s set, upload your code to GitHub.

From here, bring in Codex, ChatGPT’s code-specialized model, to refine things:

  • “Can you optimize this function?”
  • “Please streamline API calls.”

Codex helps polish the app at a deeper technical level.

The flow is clear:

  • Build the outline with ChatGPT
  • Save your code on GitHub
  • Enhance it with Codex

Even beginners can approach professional-level apps this way.


Step 4: Preparing for Release

When your app feels ready, it’s time to finish strong:

  • Debugging help
    Share the error message—ChatGPT will guide you through fixes.
  • Adding features
    Example: “Add a social share button.”
  • Deploying
    Services like Vercel or Netlify make it easy to publish your app online.

ChatGPT supports you all the way until your app is live.


Step 5: Practical Tips for Smooth Development

Here are some tips to get more out of vibe coding:

1. Craft better prompts

  • Request in small steps, not all at once.
  • Describe the UI feel or use case for clearer results.
    Example:

    “I want the design optimized for one-handed mobile use.”

2. Make GitHub your ally

  • Use branches to test changes safely.
  • Add ChatGPT’s suggestions as Issues to track history.
  • Use Pull Requests to clearly see code updates.

3. Codex enhancements worth trying

  • Optimize API calls with retries and caching
  • Speed up SQL queries with better indexing
  • Improve accessibility with ARIA labels and keyboard support

4. Breaking through common walls

  • Install errors → Paste the error, ChatGPT suggests fixes
  • Dependency issues → Share package.json, ChatGPT adjusts versions
  • Broken UI → Upload screenshots, get layout fixes

5. After your app goes live

  • Gather user feedback in GitHub Discussions.
  • Ask ChatGPT to adjust the code based on that feedback.
  • Keep iterating—you’ll see your app evolve like a living project.

Wrapping Up: What Vibe Coding Means

App development used to feel like a privilege only for programmers.
But today, anyone with an idea can turn it into reality—with ChatGPT as a partner.

The process looks like this:

  • Start with zero knowledge
  • Shape code through conversation
  • Refine with Codex
  • Release confidently

This is the heart of vibe coding: development as collaboration with AI.

If you’re curious, try setting up your environment today and send that very first prompt.