Tools for AI builders

People who build apps with AI use a small set of tools again and again. This page groups them by what each one is for, so you know where every tool fits.

What tools do AI builders use?

Think of a toolbox. A carpenter doesn't use every tool for every job. They pick up the hammer for nails and the saw for cutting.

Most tools here are websites you sign in to. A few are apps you install on your computer. To get started, you only need:

• A computer with a web browser, like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
• An email address to create accounts.

You'll add the other tools one at a time, when a topic needs them.

AI chat tools

These are the AI assistants you talk to in a chat window. You use them to ask questions, plan apps, and even build small apps inside the chat.

• ChatGPT: an AI chat tool from OpenAI. Its Canvas feature can write and preview small apps.
• Claude: an AI chat tool from Anthropic. Its Artifacts feature builds interactive apps in a side panel.
• Gemini: an AI chat tool from Google. It also has a Canvas feature for building and previewing.

App builders

An AI app builder is a website where you describe an app and it builds a full project for you, right in the browser.

• Lovable, Bolt, and v0 are popular choices.
• They show a live preview, can connect to GitHub, and can publish your app with a link.

Coding agents

A coding agent is an AI that works directly with the files on your computer. It can read your project, change files, and run commands, asking your permission first.

• Claude Code is one example. It runs in your terminal, and also in VS Code and a desktop app.
• Coding agents usually need a paid plan or an API account.

Code and version control

Even if you never type code, you'll want to see it and keep it safe.

• VS Code: a free app for opening and viewing project files.
• Git: a free tool that saves versions of your work, like save points in a game.
• GitHub: a free website that stores your Git projects online.
• Node.js: a free program that many web projects need to run on your computer.

Database and backend

A database is where an app keeps its data, like users, products, or bookings. The backend is the part of the app that runs on a server, out of sight.

• Supabase is a popular choice. It gives you a database, user login, and file storage in one place.

Hosting

Hosting means putting your app on the internet so anyone with the link can use it.

• Vercel and Netlify are popular hosts for web apps. Both have free plans.

Payments

If your app sells something, you need a safe way to take payments.

• Stripe handles checkout. Its test mode lets you practice with fake cards, so no real money moves.

Which tools are free?

Create accounts as you go

You might be tempted to sign up for everything today. I recommend waiting. Create each account when you first need it.

This way you won't forget passwords for tools you haven't used yet. And the steps will match what you see on screen.

Common mistakes

• Paying for plans before you need them. Start free and upgrade only when a tool requires it.
• Signing up for every tool on day one, then forgetting the logins.
• Using a phone instead of a computer. Coding agents and Git need a desktop or laptop.
• Sharing your passwords or API keys in a chat or a screenshot.

What's next?

You're ready to begin. Let's start with the AI basics: what AI is, and how the tools you'll build with actually work.