How I Built My First App Without Knowing How to Code

I was frustrated. I had a simple idea: an app to swap used books between students on campus. No algorithms, no fancy features. Just a clean interface where you post, chat, and meet up.

There was only one problem—I couldn’t code. Not a line of HTML, not a whisper of JavaScript. But I also couldn’t shake the idea. So I did what every desperate student does: I Googled the hell out of it.

Turns out, you can build full-blown apps without touching code. Enter the no-code revolution.

I started with Glide. It’s an insanely intuitive platform that turns Google Sheets into real apps. I opened a Sheet, added columns for Book Title, Author, Price, Contact Info, and uploaded it to Glide.

Within an hour, I had a working prototype. I could tap, scroll, and even filter listings—all without writing a single line of code. The UI was basic, but clean. It looked like something real. That feeling? Addictive.

Next, I wanted a login feature. Glide handled that too—using Google sign-in. Then I added “chat via WhatsApp” links. Now students could actually message each other directly through the app.

I posted the link in three hostel WhatsApp groups.

Within 24 hours, 50 people had signed up. Within a week, over 100 books were listed.

That’s when I realized: coding is no longer a gatekeeper. Tools like Glide, Bubble, Adalo, and Thunkable let anyone with an idea become a builder. You don’t need to be a tech bro or attend a bootcamp. You just need the guts to try.

Was it perfect? No. There were bugs. The app was slow sometimes. I didn’t understand how to structure databases or handle edge cases. But guess what? It still solved a problem.

And in tech, solving a real problem beats writing perfect code every single time.

Here’s what I learned:

• Start ugly. A working prototype beats a half-baked dream.

• Focus on user experience over flashy design.

• If 10 people love it, you’re onto something.

• You don’t need code—you need clarity.

Today, I’m learning actual development—HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. But that first app? It showed me I didn’t need permission or perfection to start.

Want to build your own? Open Glide. Think of something simple that annoys you—like tracking attendance, rating mess food, or sharing lost items. Build an MVP in 24 hours. Share it. Watch what happens.

Because once you realize you can build—everything changes.