Here's How I Code My Own Apps with AI Tools

Summary

Lon Seidman demonstrates how to use AI coding tools to build small Windows apps, using a Markdown reader and a Notepad-style editor as examples.

Claude Code workflow

• Claude Code requires a paid Claude subscription. Seidman uses the $20/month Pro plan and notes that simple projects generally use only a small share of its usage allowance.
• He recommends Code mode for projects that need to create files and compile programs locally. He selects a project folder, trusts the workspace, and gives Claude a prompt specifying the app, platform, and desired features.
• For execution, he prefers the Opus model with high effort. He says Sonnet can be useful for planning prompts.
• A C# Windows Markdown reader took about six minutes to create. It could open and format Markdown files, switch between rendered and source views, and wrap text.
• Seidman then asked Claude to add PDF export and printing. Claude tested the print feature itself, though its interaction with the computer can interrupt other work. Seidman suggests developing in a separate session.
• An additional request added a protected edit mode for WYSIWYG-style editing and saving. This took about seven minutes.

Free-model option

• OpenCode offers some free models, but availability and usage limits can vary, and users may hit a limit quickly.
• Seidman used a free model to create a basic C# Notepad-like app in about ten minutes. He tested text editing, search, and saving.
• He suggests using a free or local model for the initial implementation, then opening the same project folder in Claude Code if more capable help is needed with complex features.

Main takeaway

AI coding tools can quickly produce useful, narrowly focused utilities from plain-language requirements. More ambitious projects may consume usage limits faster, but simple apps can be practical even on a standard paid plan or, with some uncertainty, through free models.

Main speaker/source: Lon Seidman (Lon.TV)