The easiest way to create a web application
Learn how to use Google AI Studio to build functional web applications by simply describing them. A step-by-step guide to turning ideas into reality without coding.
What if you could turn an idea into a functional web app in the time it takes to watch a TV show?
Even if you’ve never coded before.
Yesterday, we got closer to that reality. I built a habit tracker web app in about 30 minutes, and I didn’t write a single line of code.
Okay, I “pimped” it for another 3 hours afterwards, because I wanted to make it look good and add some extra features, but still. 😄
How?
Google just quietly launched a game-changing feature in Google AI Studio that lets you build applications by simply describing them.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to do it.
Your 6-Step Guide to Building an App with AI
This is your chance to go from idea to live app, for free, faster and easier than ever before.
Step 1: Go to Google AI Studio
Navigate to aistudio.google.com. You’ll need to sign in with your Google account. It’s completely free.
On the left side click on “Build” or go directly here: aistudio.google.com/build.
Step 2: Write Your Prompt
This is where the magic starts. In the main prompt window, describe the app you want to build. Be as clear as possible.
If you need inspiration, click “I’m feeling lucky” a few times. You’ll get some ideas to get started. Or use that template to move forward.
Here are two examples:
- “Build a recipe generator app. You should take a picture of the interior of a fridge and describe the ingredients you have. And the system should generate few recipes based on the ingredients you have.”
- “Build a habit tracker web app. It should allow a user to enter a new habit, check it off daily, and see their streak.”
Click the “Build” button. AI Studio will recognize you’re building an app and take you to a new interface.
Step 3: Watch the AI Work
You’re now in an IDE-like view. On the left, you’ll see the AI “thinking”—planning the components, the logic, and the APIs. In the center, you’ll see the entire file structure (React components, services, etc.) being generated in real-time. It even catches and fixes its own bugs!
But don’t get scared. You can always have opened just the preview and don’t look at the code at all.
Step 4: Preview and Interact
Once the AI is done, a preview of your app will appear on the right. You can then test the application.
Step 5: Iterate
Not quite right? This is where you iterate. Go back and refine your prompt. Add a feature, change a color, or clarify a behavior. The AI will rebuild the app based on your new instructions. This cycle of prompting and previewing is how you perfect your app without touching any code.
IMPORTANT: Don’t forget to save the state of your app. You can do this by clicking on the “Save” button in the top right corner.
Step 6: Deploy with One Click
Once you’re happy, look for the rocket icon for “Deploy to Cloud Run” in the top right corner. With a single click, you can deploy your app to a public URL. Google handles all the backend setup and keeps your API keys secure. You will have to select a project or create a new one.
The Takeaway?
This isn’t just another feature from Google; it’s a fundamental shift made possible by their biggest advantage: they own the entire stack:
Unlike other tools that have to stitch services together, Google controls:
- The AI: Gemini 2.5 Pro is running the show. Large models for text, sound, and image.
- The AI Tools: AI tools and services ready to be used.
- The Infrastructure: Your app deploys seamlessly to Google Cloud.
- The Security: API keys and backend logic are handled for you automatically.
More importantly, this changes the way we build. The barrier to creation has shrunk again, meaning:
The advantage no longer belongs only to those who can code, but to those who have clear ideas. Your ability to articulate a vision is now your most powerful tool.
Try it:
Go to AI Studio and build something simple. A recipe generator, a workout planner… See for yourself how quickly you can bring an idea to life. If you get stuck, just reply to this email.
Stay in touch, Primož
P.S. Here’s the app I built yesterday: Habit Tracker & Coach. If you find it useful, please let me know, or tell me if something is missing. ✌️