How I Built an App Without Learning to Code [WRAP 162]

Hey Reader, a quick heads up that I'm hosting my friends at Kit on Tuesday, February 18th for a free webinar about how to grow your email list. Click to learn more and sign up!

Email is the most reliable way to engage your audience and generate revenue. But without a simple, effective system, it's easy to get discouraged or overwhelmed.

That’s why I’m hosting a free webinar with Kit to show you how to grow, automate, and monetize your list with ease.

​Click here to sign up — it's 100% free and we will send a replay.

💡 One Big Idea: From Paper to Personal Software?

A month ago, if you'd told me I'd be building web applications without knowing how to code, I'd have laughed. Yet here I am, creating software tools I thought would take months or years to learn to build.

I'm not talking about building the next big startup or complex mobile app. I'm talking about simple but useful tools like a Pomodoro timer. Even that seemed out of reach before.

Rethinking What’s Possible

For the past 5 years, I didn’t bother learning to code because there good to great versions of almost any application or tool I wanted to use. The time investment to learn coding basics didn't seem worth it compared to other activities made me money.

Enter "Vibe Coding"

Everything changed when I discovered Cursor and "vibe coding" through my friend Nat Eliason. We go back to 2015 when we worked for Noah Kagan. Nat has solid baseline of coding knowledge, but he's not a professional developer.

When I saw him building personal software—tools for writing his novel, creating a podcast player, and developing a productivity app—I knew I needed to learn more.

The AI-Powered Breakthrough

Cursor, an AI coding tool, was a game-changer. It helps you build web applications using verbal descriptions, screenshots, or pen-and-paper sketches (which I love!). After buying Nat's course (learn more here) and completing the first lesson, I built a working Pomodoro timer in an hour. “Mind-blowing” is over-used as a term these days, but it’s really how I felt!

From GAP to App: A Personal Example

This newfound ability led me to experiment with digitalizing my GAP planning method (Goal, Actions, Protection). I swear by using a bullet journal for this system—pen and paper remain the ultimate custom canvas—but I wanted to explore a digital version.

In two hours, using only verbal prompts and screenshots, I created a working web version of my GAP planning tool.

Yes, I need to fix the alignment of the delete buttons 🙃 But this version works, and all I need to do to program a fix is put this screenshot in Cursor and prompt: “On mobile screens, make the Delete buttons the same width they are in the full desktop screen view. See the screenshot for examples”

Why Build What Already Exists?

You may wonder why I built something when I already have a good notebook system and a Notion template. There are two reasons:

Future Potential: AI-assisted coding is becoming more important and valuable. These small projects are stepping stones to creating bigger, more impactful tools. Today's simple web app could become a successful niche productivity application for people who like the GAP method.

Accessibility: While I prefer analog methods, most people live in the digital world. A simple web version makes the GAP method more accessible—no need to download Notion or buy a Bullet Journal. The core idea matters more than the specific tool used.

The Joy of Personal Software

This journey reminds me of Robin Sloan's 2020 article comparing programming to cooking. You don't need to become a professional chef to enjoy cooking and create meaningful meals. Similarly, you don't need to become a professional developer to create useful tools that match your needs.

Looking Forward

Six weeks ago, this seemed impossible. Now, my head full of possibilities—not just because I can make a simple weekly planning tool, but because a new world of opportunity has opened up. I may never create the next viral productivity app, but being able to build simple, helpful tools that match my thinking and work? That's enough for me.

Want to Build Your Own Apps?

If this sparked something for you like it did for me, I encourage you to check out Nat's course, Build Your Own Apps. He's a great teacher and walks through all the steps in a very clear and easy-to-understand way. And I've been amazed at what people have been building! Few examples below 👀

The feeling of having an idea and seeing it come to life in a matter of hours is really incredible. I bet you'll find that you can even cancel a few paid subscriptions to products because you can build your own now! If you do sign up, send me a DM in the community 👋🏻

Have a great weekend,

Matt Ragland

p.s. if you have a (literal) minute to share feedback, click here.