You Can Build an App in 60 Minutes with ChatGPT - Ep. 5 with Geoffrey Litt
Jan 10, 2024
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Geoffrey Litt, researcher at Ink & Switch, and the host build an app live using ChatGPT. They discuss the future of software development, malleable software, and how AI changes who gets to build software. They explore the impact of current software on our thinking, agency and control in generative AI, and the transformative impact of using ChatGPT in app development. They troubleshoot errors, discuss app functionality and UI improvements, and emphasize the potential of customization.
Building small, bespoke software tools catered to individual needs increases productivity and enables the creation of previously impossible solutions.
Taking a local first architecture and starting from scratch to create focused apps allows for faster iteration, customization, and easy incorporation of new features.
Using Chat GPT to build bespoke apps empowers users to modify tools, remix existing apps, and take ownership of their software applications.
Deep dives
Building a Custom App with Chat GPT
In this podcast episode, the host and guest discuss the process of building a custom app using Chat GPT. They explore the workflow of starting with a vague idea, asking for clarifications, and generating the code for the app. The guest shares their philosophy on creating small, bespoke software tools that cater to individual needs. They highlight the advantages of this approach, including increased productivity, the ability to build things that wouldn't have been possible before, and the potential for a new kind of software ecosystem. The podcast features a live demonstration of using Chat GPT to modify and expand upon an existing app.
The Power of Micro Tools and Local First Architecture
The discussion delves into the unique aspects of building micro tools and the potential of local first architecture. The guest emphasizes the simplicity and efficiency of starting from scratch to create small, focused apps that address specific use cases. They explain how this differs from the traditional software development approach, allowing for faster iteration and customization. The guest also mentions the research work being done at Incan Switch to make app development easier and more accessible, enabling users to easily modify existing apps and incorporate new features.
Unlocking New Possibilities with Bespoke Apps
The conversation explores the implications of using Chat GPT to build bespoke apps and the potential for a new kind of software distribution platform. The guest discusses the freedom and flexibility this approach offers, allowing individuals to modify tools to their specific needs. They emphasize the possibility of combining existing apps and remixing them to create unique solutions. The podcast episode concludes with a live demo, showcasing the process of modifying an app using Chat GPT and empowering users to take ownership of their software applications.
Creating an App to Track Time and Notes During a Podcast
The podcast episode discusses the process of creating an app to track time and notes during a podcast appearance. The host starts by stating their goal of having an app open during the podcast to keep track of time and remember what they want to say. They then discuss the desired features of the app, including time tracking with a progress bar and the ability to preload and display notes from a separate document. Styling and layout preferences, such as a simple dark presenter mode, are also mentioned. The episode highlights the importance of planning before generating code and the usefulness of pseudo code in the development process. The host uses an online coding environment called Replilit to run the code and test the app. They appreciate the speed and ease of the process, acknowledging how much faster and accessible it is compared to traditional development methods. The app is successfully created, displaying the time tracker, notes section, and the ability to generate questions from the podcast notes using an API. The host acknowledges some limitations of the app, such as not having data saving capability, but emphasizes the need to balance complexity based on the task's magnitude. They discuss potential improvements for the app's UI and the future potential of creating custom UIs within chat-based interfaces. Overall, the episode explores the exciting possibilities and challenges of using AI and low-code tools to create simple, functional applications.
The Future of AI and Malleable Software
The conversation delves into the future applications of AI and malleable software. The host emphasizes the importance of scoping the technical complexity of an app based on the desired features and user requirements. They discuss the benefits of using low-code tools to build custom UIs that offer more flexibility and user-friendly experiences. The episode highlights the role of planning and adapting to challenges during the development process, highlighting the need for tools that simplify complex implementation tasks. The host mentions their ongoing research and plans to integrate the workflow discussed in the episode into a comprehensive work environment, reducing the reliance on manual copy-pasting and infrastructure management. They recommend checking out their personal website for more insightful research and a previously published essay titled 'Malleable Software in the Age of LLMs.' The episode concludes on an optimistic note, envisioning a future where effortless workflows and easy access to technology empower individuals to create and innovate.
This show might be a first in the history of podcasts:
Researcher Geoffrey Litt and I built an app together using ChatGPTapp and Replit in under 60 minutes—while we talked.
We wanted to show how AI and ChatGPT change who gets to build software and how they usher in a world where everyone can modify and remix the apps they use every day.
So we did it live, and ChatGPT delivered a working prototype at the end of the episode.
It was a tiny glimpse of the future—and it pushes the boundaries of what a show can be. It honestly left me speechless and it'll change the way you think about software. If it does, make sure to subscribe, share, and leave us a review!
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