How To Make an App With ChatGPT (Without Knowing Code)

The video transcript details a step-by-step guide on how to create a simple application using Python and ChatGPT, even for those without coding experience. The creator shares their journey from conceptualization to completion, starting with writing a Python script that takes a screenshot with each mouse click. They then refine the script to include features such as cursor visibility, sequential naming of screenshots, and a stop function. The process involves using Visual Studio Code, installing necessary extensions, and troubleshooting errors through iterative refinement. The final product is a user-friendly application that can take screenshots with a start and stop button, and organizes them in folders. The guide concludes with instructions on converting the script into an executable file for easy sharing. The video is an encouragement for viewers to explore their ideas and learn new skills, emphasizing the accessibility of software development with the right tools and guidance.

Takeaways

• 🤖 Started coding and creating apps with ChatGPT without prior coding knowledge due to a desire to make custom software.
• 📝 Initially wanted to create software that could, for example, compile TikTok videos and their statistics into a spreadsheet.
• 🛠️ Discovered a workflow to turn any idea into a finished product that can be shared, even for complex tasks like taking screenshots with a mouse click.
• 📚 First step was to write a Python script that captures a screenshot every time the mouse is clicked using Visual Studio Code.
• 🧩 Required downloading the Python extension for Visual Studio Code for those new to coding.
• 📁 Recommended saving the initial script in an easily accessible location like the Documents folder for beginners.
• 🔄 Emphasized the iterative process of refining the script, which involved back-and-forth communication with ChatGPT to troubleshoot and improve the code.
• 🖱️ Added features like cursor visibility in screenshots, auto-incrementing file names, and a keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+L) to stop the screenshot process.
• 📑 Organized the screenshots into folders and ensured each run created a new folder to avoid overwriting.
• 🚀 Finalized the Python script, which grew from 53 to 73 lines of code, with a user interface for starting and stopping the screenshot process.
• 🔧 Converted the final script into a standalone executable file, making it accessible to users without the need for a Python environment.
• 🌐 Highlighted the empowerment and skill acquisition from the process, encouraging others to pursue their own ideas and projects.

Q & A

What was the initial motivation behind the author's desire to create small software applications?

The author was motivated by a desire to create small software applications that could perform custom tasks for them, such as collecting data from TikTok accounts or taking screenshots of websites.

What is the first step in creating an app without knowing code?

The first step is to write a Python script that captures a screenshot every time the mouse is clicked, which can be done by copying the provided code and using Visual Studio Code.

What is the role of Gradient in the process of creating an app?

Gradient is a platform that removes the need for infrastructure and allows users to use state-of-the-art open-source LLMs (Large Language Models) to build AI applications or use industry-expert LLMs. It also enables the use of private data on top of their LLMs, which is beneficial for businesses.

How does the author suggest refining the initial script?

The author suggests refining the script by asking for specific improvements, such as making the cursor visible in screenshots, numbering each screenshot, and adding a control to stop the code execution.

What is the process for turning the final script into an executable file?

The process involves installing a specific tool and running a command that creates a build folder containing the executable file, which can then be distributed as an app.

How does the author suggest organizing the screenshots taken by the app?

The author suggests that each time the app is run, it should create a new folder where all the screenshots taken during that session are stored.

What is the advantage of using a custom AI model over a generic one?

A custom AI model can solve specific problems faster and be more relevant because it is trained on the user's private data, providing more value and control over the data and model.

Why is it important to keep iterating and refining the script?

Iterating and refining the script is important to incrementally improve the app, add new features, and ensure it meets the user's requirements and expectations.

How does the author suggest handling errors encountered during the coding process?

The author suggests copying the error, pasting it into the chat, and asking for a solution. This back-and-forth process helps in understanding the issue and finding a way to resolve it.

What is the significance of creating a user interface (UI) for the app?

Creating a user interface makes the app more user-friendly and accessible, allowing users to easily start and stop the screenshot capturing process without having to interact with the code directly.

What was the final outcome of the author's process for creating an app?

The final outcome was a functional app that captures screenshots with a visible cursor, organizes them in numbered files, and allows users to start and stop the process through a simple UI.

How does the author encourage viewers to start creating their own apps?

The author encourages viewers to take on one of their ideas, code it themselves, get obsessed with it, and enjoy the process, assuring them that with persistence, they can achieve their goals.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Coding Journey with Chat GPT

The speaker shares their experience of starting to code and create small applications after the advent of Chat GPT. They express their desire to create custom software for personal use, such as aggregating TikTok videos into a spreadsheet or taking screenshots of websites. They outline a process to turn any idea into a finished product, although with the caveat that it may not apply to very large projects. The speaker also introduces an app they created that resembles scribehow.com, which captures browser instructions through screenshots.

05:02

🛠️ Refining the Screenshot Script

The speaker moves on to the second phase of their project: refining the initial script. They discuss the need for improvements such as making the cursor visible in screenshots, numbering each screenshot, and adding a control to stop the script. They emphasize the importance of the refinement prompt and the iterative process of refining the script by copying errors back to Chat GPT for solutions. The process involves back-and-forth communication with Chat GPT, which gradually leads to a more refined and functional script, ultimately resulting in a script that captures screenshots with a mouse click and includes a user interface with start and stop buttons.

10:04

🚀 Turning the Script into an Executable

In the final paragraph, the speaker describes the process of converting their refined script into an executable file, making it more user-friendly. They mention the option of turning it into a Chrome extension but decide that creating an executable file is simpler. The process involves installing additional software and running specific commands, which results in a build folder containing the executable. The speaker reflects on the成就感 (sense of achievement) from learning a new skill and encourages others to pursue their own coding projects. They also invite viewers to reach out via Patreon if they wish to discuss their projects further.

Keywords

ChatGPT

ChatGPT is an advanced language model developed by OpenAI that can understand and generate human-like text based on given prompts. In the video, it is used as a tool to assist in coding and creating software without prior coding knowledge, showcasing its utility in generating scripts and providing guidance on refining them.

Screenshot

A screenshot is a digital image taken by a device to capture the contents displayed on a computer screen. In the context of the video, the user creates a Python script that captures a screenshot every time a mouse click is detected, which is central to the app's functionality.

Python

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language widely used for general-purpose programming. The video script describes using Python to write a script for taking screenshots and later refining it to include additional features like cursor visibility and a stop mechanism.

Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a popular source-code editor developed by Microsoft. It is mentioned in the script as the environment where the Python code is written, copied, and pasted, and where the user interacts with ChatGPT to refine the code.

Refinement Prompt

A refinement prompt is a request for improvements or additional features in a script or software. The video emphasizes the iterative process of using refinement prompts with ChatGPT to enhance the initial script, making it more user-friendly and functional.

Gradient AI

Gradient AI is a platform that provides tools for building AI applications. It is mentioned in the video as a service that allows users to fine-tune language models with their private data, which can be beneficial for businesses looking to create custom AI solutions.

Terminal

The terminal, also known as command prompt or command line, is a text-based interface for interacting with a computer's operating system. In the video, the terminal is used to run the Python script and navigate to the correct directory where the script is located.

Executable File (EXE)

An executable file, often with the .exe extension on Windows, is a file that can be run on a computer to perform a specific task. The video script describes the process of converting the refined Python script into an executable file to make it easier to distribute and use.

Chrome Extension

A Chrome extension is a software component that adds functionality to the Google Chrome web browser. The video mentions the possibility of turning the script into a Chrome extension as an alternative to creating an executable file, offering another way to integrate the screenshot functionality.

Iterative Development

Iterative development is a process of refining and enhancing a software product through repeated cycles of development and testing. The video demonstrates this process by showing how the initial script is incrementally improved upon through multiple refinements and user feedback.

Patreon

Patreon is a membership platform that allows creators to receive financial support from their audience in exchange for exclusive content and benefits. The video script mentions Patreon as a way for viewers to support the creator and get in touch for direct communication.

Highlights

The author started coding and creating apps using ChatGPT despite having no prior coding experience.

The author's motivation was to create custom software for personal use, such as tracking TikTok videos and capturing website screenshots.

A process and workflow are presented that allows users to turn any idea into a finished app product.

The app created by the author resembles scribe.how.com, allowing users to capture instructions and screenshots.

A Python script is used to capture screenshots with each mouse click, which is the first step in the app creation process.

Visual Studio Code and the Python extension are recommended for coding beginners.

The author emphasizes the importance of saving the code and running it in the correct directory.

Refining the initial script is crucial for creating a functional and user-friendly app.

ChatGPT is used to iteratively improve the script by providing feedback and solutions to errors.

The final version of the app includes features like a visible cursor in screenshots, automatic naming of files, and a stop function.

The author demonstrates how to turn the Python script into an executable file or a Chrome extension for broader accessibility.

The process of creating an app from scratch using ChatGPT is described as both fun and potentially tedious.

The author encourages viewers to take on their own ideas and learn through the process of coding and refining.

The final app allows users to take screenshots with a start and stop button, and organizes them in folders.

The app can be easily shared with others by compressing it into a zip file.

The author expresses a newfound confidence in coding and the belief that with the right tools, anything is possible.

The tutorial concludes with an invitation to contact the author directly for further engagement or to support through Patreon.