Back to blog

How to Build an App with ChatGPT

Olga Gubanova

-

November 19, 2024

Step into a realm where crafting top-notch applications no longer demands assembling a team of developers. Can ChatGPT create an app for you? The answer is yes!

With more than 175 billion parameters, this language model is trained on a variety of Internet text, giving it unprecedented insight into human language. In one study, 63.5% of readers could not identify that chatGPT rather than a human wrote an article.

GPT-4 has proven to be the most potent multimodal model. It outperforms all existing AI models that work with different types of information by up to 10%. You can provide text, graphics, images, 3D models, video, or audio and get a specialist's answer as output.

Looking to use ChatGPT to build an app plan? Try our free App Cost Calculator by Ptolemay for a tailored plan in minutes.

Understanding GPT-4's Superiority in Multimodal Tasks

The results of the Open AI presentation were impressive. In online mode, the presenter drew a website layout on paper, took a picture, and sent it to GPT4. On request, the model deciphered the handwriting and created an entire website based on the proposed layout.

ChatGPT-4 can create a complete application. Just tell the model in general terms what you want your application to do. And she can program it all by herself.

For example, to see can ChatGPT build an app, a user asked ChatGPT-4 to model an application that would recommend five new films daily. The application had to include a description, basic information about the film, a poster, and a link to where to watch it.

The generated code may not work correctly the first time. There are errors in a single line of code. But this can also be left to chatGPT-4. You can compile the code and copy the error message from the software environment.

The model will apologize and offer a new, corrected code. Consult the chatGPT guide on 'how to set up an app' to ensure a smooth and successful launch.

Today, you can find the chat GPT on the app store with enhanced features and easy access.

Application written by chatGPT

In this article, we're taking things up a notch by building a mobile application from the ground up using ChatGPT, all without predefined requirements. You'll gain insights on crafting precise queries for accurate and valuable responses. Get ready for an in-depth exploration into ChatGPT development, where we'll witness numbers transform into groundbreaking outcomes. Let's kick things off!

Launching Your App: Utilizing ChatGPT's Guidance

Before building your app, let's quickly learn a straightforward rule for effective chatGPT prompts. Compose your prompt by answering five questions:

  1. What do you want to get?
  2. Where will you use the answer?
  3. How should it be written (language, structure, tone of voice, emotion, length of response)?
  4. Why do you need the answer? For what purpose do you want to use it?
  5. Who is your target audience?

This rule will help you create high-quality chatGPT requests and receive, instead of standard extensive answers, unique and most effective results for you. Let's check this rule in our business - creating a mobile application.

The chatGPT response will be transformed if you add the phrase: "Let's think step by step" at the end of each request.

Below, we will show how to build an app for free.

Step 1: Developing Mobile Apps from Scratch with ChatGPT

Of course, from the ChatGPT question! If you have an exciting idea to develop an app, move on to the next stage.

Visit the Ptolemay AI Tech Plan Generator and get a full technical plan for your app in just 3 minutes based on your idea. ⏱️

We will request ten creative ideas from the Chat GPT for the mobile app. This is an example tutorial, so we'll stick to a simple application.

Effective Prompt Crafting for ChatGPT

The first prompt for creating an app will sound like this:

We want to create a simple and user-friendly mobile application for people aged 30 to 50 living in London. This will be a free application with advertising revenue. It should attract attention due to its high benefits in everyday life. Please suggest ten unique ideas for our mobile application. Let's think step by step.

Start Creating a Mobile Application with ChatGPT

We received ten original ideas for app building, which is helpful to one degree or another for our target audience. We will choose app idea number 5.

Nearby shopping center:

A public market where neighbors can trade or borrow items they may need infrequently. These could be tools, sports equipment, or special kitchen appliances.

Go ahead!

Step 2: Drafting Technical Specifications for Apps with ChatGPT

We need a technical specification to understand what the application should look like when we release it. Here, we reveal the secrets of a brilliant technical specification for a mobile application. Let's ask how chatGPT sees the technical specifications for a neighborhood shopping center app.

The second prompt for chatGPT on the way to creating a mobile application:

Please draw up technical specifications for a mobile application for a neighborhood shopping center in London. This is a public market where neighbors can trade or borrow items they may need infrequently. These could be tools, sports equipment, or special kitchen appliances.

The technical specification must be understandable to developers and business people, attract potential investors, and be drawn up by this document's rules. It should present the final product with a minimum set of the most valuable functions. Let's think step by step.

Creating a Technical Specification for an App Using ChatGPT

A few sentences ago, we needed to figure out what kind of mobile application we should launch. We now have a detailed description of what our digital product should look like, and it seems very well thought out. Thank you, chatGPT! But what should we do now?

Step 3: Developing a Mobile App Based on Technical Specs with ChatGPT

We will use the technical specification to create a follow-up request based on our mobile application's technical requirements and functionality.

Third prompt for chatGPT to get the code for our mobile application:

I want to write a mobile application for a neighborhood shopping center in London for Android with the following features:

  • User Profiles: Users can create accounts, set preferences, and list items for exchange.
  • Item Listings: Users can post items available for exchange, including details, condition, and availability.
  • Search and Filters: Users can search for specific items or browse by category, location, and availability.
  • In-App Messaging: Enable direct communication between users to arrange exchanges.
  • Item Requests: Users can request specific items from other users and negotiate terms.
  • Reviews and Ratings: Allow users to provide feedback and rate their experiences with other users.
  • Push Notifications: Send alerts for new exchange requests, messages, and essential updates. Please tell me how to do this. Let's think step by step.
Mobile Application Development Plan According to Technical Specification Using ChatGPT

Step 4: Coding a Mobile App with ChatGPT's Assistance

Following the advice of chatGPT stable release, download and install Android Studio to create a new project. Then, select a suitable project name and download the SDK. To complete the second step, we again turned to chatGPT for help and received detailed instructions with code.

Prompt 4 for chatGPT:

Please write the code for Step 2: Design User Interface (UI). Use XML to design the app's user interface in Android Studio. Let's think step by step.

Writing Code for a Mobile Application with ChatGPT Prompts

If you encounter any problems while following the steps described, ChatGPT is ready to offer detailed assistance. easiness: For example, if you are unsure how to test a finished application properly, contact ChatGPT, and they will professionally guide you through the entire procedure, providing short step-by-step instructions.

Troubleshooting and Assistance in App Development with ChatGPT

This example shows that incorporating chatGPT into mobile app development can significantly simplify the process. Your virtual assistant will provide valuable information and generate code snippets. However, developers need to understand the benefits and potential challenges of using this advanced AI technology.

How GPT chat speeds up mobile app development:

  • Rapid Prototyping: Assist in creating code for various features, operating systems and mobile devices. With AI, developers create prototypes and design concepts faster.
  • Natural language interaction: Intuitive, conversation-based interaction. ChatGPT understands the requirements and preferences of users, which ultimately leads to more user-friendly applications.
  • Automated documentation: The virtual assistant generates on-demand documentation for both Android and iOS apps, ensuring well-documented code and time.
  • Improved creativity and problem-solving: GPT provides creative solutions to development problems. It suggests alternative approaches that developers may not have considered.

Although ChatGPT can produce human-like text, crafting programming language for the app development process is significantly more complex. This requires a knowledge and understanding that exceeds what even the most advanced AI models can achieve. Therefore, developers must understand all the risks of unthinkingly using a chatbot.

Key Considerations When Using ChatGPT in App Development

What to watch out for:

  • Reliance on AI suggestions: ChatGPT is a powerful tool, but it is important not to rely solely on its suggestions. Always review the generated code to ensure it adheres to best practices and project requirements.
  • Potential Security Risks: Be careful when sharing sensitive information or code snippets in chat. Avoid sharing proprietary or confidential information with the AI model.
  • Limitations of contextual understanding: AI may not always capture the entire context of a development project. Developers must provide clear and detailed instructions to ensure accurate and up-to-date proposals.
  • Handling errors and edge cases: AI may not always produce error-free or optimal code. Developers must be prepared to fix bugs or problems arising from AI-generated suggestions.
  • Biases in proposals: chatGPT proposals can be affected by biases present in the training data. Planners must remember this and critically review proposals to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
  • Limited domain knowledge: chatGPT may not have experience in specialized areas or industries. Developers must complement the code generated by AI with their knowledge and experience.
  • Regulatory and Compliance Issues: Depending on the industry or application, legal requirements may govern how code is created and implemented. Designers must take these considerations into account.

ChatGPT offers tips for code app builders and those wanting an app without coding. It provides insights into software development and the various types of apps available. Even if you're not writing a single line, ChatGPT's guidance can be invaluable for your app journey.

Using chatGPT, mobile app developers can significantly speed up their work and solve common development problems. However, it is critical to approach this technology with insight, combining AI-generated code with human expertise to achieve the best results. When implemented thoughtfully, GPT chat can be a valuable asset in a developer's toolbox.

FAQ for Startup Founders: Using ChatGPT for App Development and AI Integration

Can ChatGPT create an app?

Absolutely, ChatGPT can guide you through the process of creating an app. While it won't press the buttons for you, it can help generate code, suggest best practices, and troubleshoot along the way. You describe what you want, and ChatGPT helps make it real—step by step.

How do I create my own app for free?

You can create an app for free with some dedication and the right tools. ChatGPT can guide you through using development platforms like Android Studio, providing code snippets and advice without needing to hire developers. It's a great option if you're willing to learn the basics of app creation yourself.

How accurate is ChatGPT when building apps?

ChatGPT is a powerful tool, but it's important to remember that it may need some tweaking. The code it generates is usually solid, but you'll still need to test, debug, and make sure it works exactly as you want. Think of it as having a very knowledgeable assistant rather than a complete solution.

How can I use ChatGPT for web development?

ChatGPT can help by generating HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for your web project. If you need help designing a page or creating interactive elements, ChatGPT can suggest the best approach and help write the initial code. You get the benefits of an extra hand, especially for those tricky parts.

Is GPT-4 free?

GPT-4 has both free and premium versions. The free version provides great functionality, though access might be limited during peak times. For more advanced features and consistent availability, the premium subscription is the way to go.

Can GPT-4 create an app?

Yes, GPT-4 can assist you in creating an app from scratch. You tell it what you want—whether it's the look, the features, or the purpose—and it helps generate the code. It's like having a virtual co-developer ready to brainstorm and build alongside you.

How do I build tools with ChatGPT?

Building tools with ChatGPT starts with a clear idea. Describe what your tool should do, and ChatGPT will help you break it down into parts, generate code, and figure out the best way to put everything together. You'll go from idea to working tool, with ChatGPT acting as a reliable guide.

How to make a project on ChatGPT?

Starting a project using ChatGPT means breaking down what you need into small steps. For each task—like designing an interface or setting up backend functions—you can ask ChatGPT for help. It provides code and advice one step at a time, which makes complex projects feel manageable.

Can ChatGPT help developers?

Definitely. ChatGPT is great for helping developers write repetitive code, debug problems, and brainstorm creative solutions. It's like having someone always available to bounce ideas off of or to help when you hit a coding roadblock.

Can ChatGPT generate images?

Yes, ChatGPT can help you create images through integration with tools like DALL-E. You describe what you're looking for, and it generates images based on your input. It's perfect for visualizing app concepts or adding unique graphics to your project.

How do we integrate ChatGPT into iOS apps?

To integrate ChatGPT into an iOS app, you'll need to use the OpenAI API. Start by signing up for API access, then implement network requests in your app's code using Swift. You'll send the user's input to the API and get ChatGPT's response back to the display. It's a powerful way to bring AI-driven conversations or smart suggestions directly into your app.

Can I use ChatGPT to make my own AI?

Yes, you can use ChatGPT as a foundation to develop your own AI solution. With the API, you can customize interactions, fine-tune responses, and even train it on specific datasets to fit your project's needs. It won't be "building from scratch," but you'll leverage an advanced AI model to create something truly personalized.

What is the primary benefit of using the OpenAI API over constantly querying ChatGPT directly?

Using the OpenAI API provides more flexibility and scalability compared to simply querying ChatGPT through a browser. With the API, you can integrate ChatGPT into apps, automate workflows, control the frequency of interactions, and make sure it's fully customized for your user experience—something that's not possible through direct, standalone use.

How much does it cost to build an AI chat app like Character AI?

Building an AI chat app like Character AI can cost anywhere from $50,000 to over $200,000, depending on features, customization, and complexity. Factors like user authentication, real-time interaction, training on specialized data, and visual design all impact the budget. Using tools like our app cost calculator can give you a precise estimate tailored to your vision.

How do you train your own ChatGPT model?

Training your own ChatGPT model involves fine-tuning the existing GPT model with your data. You'll need access to specialized training tools, a dataset relevant to your use case, and some understanding of machine learning processes. OpenAI also offers a fine-tuning API that simplifies the process, allowing you to adjust the model's behavior to suit your project without needing deep technical expertise.

Conclusion: Merging Human Ingenuity with ChatGPT in App Development

In this mobile app development journey, we've uncovered the extraordinary power of ChatGPT in providing invaluable insights and generating code snippets. We've witnessed how this AI collaborator can transform complex tasks into manageable solutions by utilizing specific prompts.

As you embark on your app development endeavors, remember that integrating ChatGPT into your application can unlock even more significant potential. Seamlessly blending human creativity with AI-driven assistance promises efficiency and opens up a world of innovation and growth for your business.

Meet Our Expert Flutter Development Team

Our full-cycle Flutter development team at Ptolemay specializes in building high-quality, cross-platform apps from start to finish. With expert skills in Dart, backend integrations, and seamless UX across iOS and Android, we handle everything to make your app launch smooth and efficient.