Nobody Laid Out The Five Kinds Of Software You Can Make. So I Did.

I'll bet you know what you want to make I'll bet you know what you want to make with AI and you just don't know how to with AI and you just don't know how to with AI and you just don't know how to turn that wish into something that's turn that wish into something that's turn that wish into something that's actually running, right? Running on a actually running, right? Running on a actually running, right? Running on a phone, running on a computer, or maybe phone, running on a computer, or maybe phone, running on a computer, or maybe running just on a little tiny box in the running just on a little tiny box in the running just on a little tiny box in the house. So, I'm going to make this super house. So, I'm going to make this super house. So, I'm going to make this super simple. There are actually five software simple. There are actually five software simple. There are actually five software shapes that cover most of the things shapes that cover most of the things shapes that cover most of the things people want to make. I'm going to give people want to make. I'm going to give people want to make. I'm going to give you the complete map that I would use as you the complete map that I would use as you the complete map that I would use as a non-developer today. what kind of a non-developer today. what kind of a non-developer today. what kind of thing to build, what to sign up for, and thing to build, what to sign up for, and thing to build, what to sign up for, and whether the route calls for lovable or whether the route calls for lovable or whether the route calls for lovable or replet or codeex or claude code or even replet or codeex or claude code or even replet or codeex or claude code or even a model like GLM 5.3. And spoiler alert, a model like GLM 5.3. And spoiler alert, a model like GLM 5.3. And spoiler alert, if you are a nontechnical person, I if you are a nontechnical person, I if you are a nontechnical person, I would start with lovable. And I'll would start with lovable. And I'll would start with lovable. And I'll explain why later in the video. If explain why later in the video. If explain why later in the video. If you're new here, I'm Nate B. Jones. I've you're new here, I'm Nate B. Jones. I've you're new here, I'm Nate B. Jones. I've spent 20 years building products from spent 20 years building products from spent 20 years building products from Amazon all the way down to startups. Amazon all the way down to startups. Amazon all the way down to startups. I've helped leaders all over the world I've helped leaders all over the world I've helped leaders all over the world use AI in their businesses. And now, I use AI in their businesses. And now, I use AI in their businesses. And now, I want to help you build the life you're want to help you build the life you're want to help you build the life you're looking to build with AI. AI actually looking to build with AI. AI actually looking to build with AI. AI actually isn't scary. You're not behind. And on isn't scary. You're not behind. And on isn't scary. You're not behind. And on this channel, I'll be explaining AI core this channel, I'll be explaining AI core this channel, I'll be explaining AI core concepts. I'll be filtering the AI news concepts. I'll be filtering the AI news concepts. I'll be filtering the AI news so you get what you need. I'm going to so you get what you need. I'm going to so you get what you need. I'm going to be helping you get on your AI building be helping you get on your AI building be helping you get on your AI building journey with clarity and with journey with clarity and with journey with clarity and with confidence. And of course, we'll have confidence. And of course, we'll have confidence. And of course, we'll have fun along the way. And I think a lot of fun along the way. And I think a lot of fun along the way. And I think a lot of us have something like this in our us have something like this in our us have something like this in our heads. You might want a display that heads. You might want a display that heads. You might want a display that tells you whether your child's bus is tells you whether your child's bus is tells you whether your child's bus is actually coming or a private tool that actually coming or a private tool that actually coming or a private tool that keeps track of every decision and repair keeps track of every decision and repair keeps track of every decision and repair on the house as I described. But on the house as I described. But on the house as I described. But whatever you want, you don't have to whatever you want, you don't have to whatever you want, you don't have to memorize a software stack to do it. You memorize a software stack to do it. You memorize a software stack to do it. You just need to understand the choices well just need to understand the choices well just need to understand the choices well enough to make one good decision at a enough to make one good decision at a enough to make one good decision at a time along the way. Now, yesterday, just

time along the way. Now, yesterday, just time along the way. Now, yesterday, just to give you a sense of what you can do, to give you a sense of what you can do, to give you a sense of what you can do, I saw a guy in Amsterdam solve a ferry I saw a guy in Amsterdam solve a ferry I saw a guy in Amsterdam solve a ferry problem that had it probably annoyed him problem that had it probably annoyed him problem that had it probably annoyed him for years because the published for years because the published for years because the published timetable for fairies was wrong often timetable for fairies was wrong often timetable for fairies was wrong often enough that it was useless to get to the enough that it was useless to get to the enough that it was useless to get to the ferry on time. The commercial feeds with ferry on time. The commercial feeds with ferry on time. The commercial feeds with live ship positions cost hundreds of live ship positions cost hundreds of live ship positions cost hundreds of euros a month to get. So, he couldn't euros a month to get. So, he couldn't euros a month to get. So, he couldn't get that. So, he realized he could trace get that. So, he realized he could trace get that. So, he realized he could trace the information back to something called the information back to something called the information back to something called AIS, which is the radio signal that AIS, which is the radio signal that AIS, which is the radio signal that ships already are required to broadcast ships already are required to broadcast ships already are required to broadcast by law. And then he started pricing a by law. And then he started pricing a by law. And then he started pricing a receiver, an antenna, and a Raspberry Pi receiver, an antenna, and a Raspberry Pi receiver, an antenna, and a Raspberry Pi that could listen from his house. And that could listen from his house. And that could listen from his house. And the whole setup, it cost about €200 the whole setup, it cost about €200 the whole setup, it cost about €200 total, all so that he could know when to total, all so that he could know when to total, all so that he could know when to leave home. Then I saw another person leave home. Then I saw another person leave home. Then I saw another person who had built an app for the exact house who had built an app for the exact house who had built an app for the exact house that he and his wife owned together. It that he and his wife owned together. It that he and his wife owned together. It knows their specific appliances, their knows their specific appliances, their knows their specific appliances, their specific plants, their yard. It creates specific plants, their yard. It creates specific plants, their yard. It creates the maintenance jobs for that week the maintenance jobs for that week the maintenance jobs for that week automatically. It keeps all of the automatically. It keeps all of the automatically. It keeps all of the instructions for the equipment that they instructions for the equipment that they instructions for the equipment that they need to maintain the house in one place. need to maintain the house in one place. need to maintain the house in one place. common troubleshooting tips. Look, these common troubleshooting tips. Look, these common troubleshooting tips. Look, these are not fancy pieces of software, right?

are not fancy pieces of software, right? are not fancy pieces of software, right? They're small. They're tiny pieces of They're small. They're tiny pieces of They're small. They're tiny pieces of software. They're also incredibly useful software. They're also incredibly useful software. They're also incredibly useful because they fit one person's life in a because they fit one person's life in a because they fit one person's life in a way a mass market app just never will. way a mass market app just never will. way a mass market app just never will. We have entered the era of personal We have entered the era of personal We have entered the era of personal software. And what I'm here to tell you software. And what I'm here to tell you software. And what I'm here to tell you is that you don't have to be a technical is that you don't have to be a technical is that you don't have to be a technical person to build your personal software. person to build your personal software. person to build your personal software. And that's what this video is about. And that's what this video is about. And that's what this video is about. Let's start with the thing you want to Let's start with the thing you want to Let's start with the thing you want to be different in your life. For the ferry be different in your life. For the ferry be different in your life. For the ferry project, the desired change is super project, the desired change is super project, the desired change is super simple and super plain. You want to look simple and super plain. You want to look simple and super plain. You want to look at the phone and know when the next at the phone and know when the next at the phone and know when the next ferry will really arrive. The timet is ferry will really arrive. The timet is ferry will really arrive. The timet is unreliable, so you can't trust that. And unreliable, so you can't trust that. And unreliable, so you can't trust that. And the useful signal is out in the world the useful signal is out in the world the useful signal is out in the world out there, right? It's a radio broadcast out there, right? It's a radio broadcast out there, right? It's a radio broadcast from the ship. The result needs to from the ship. The result needs to from the ship. The result needs to appear on a phone and it's probably just appear on a phone and it's probably just appear on a phone and it's probably just for your household in that situation. for your household in that situation. for your household in that situation. And if it fails, somebody might wait And if it fails, somebody might wait And if it fails, somebody might wait longer or miss the ferry, but it's just longer or miss the ferry, but it's just longer or miss the ferry, but it's just you, right? And that's annoying, but you, right? And that's annoying, but you, right? And that's annoying, but it's certainly not medical. It's it's certainly not medical. It's it's certainly not medical. It's certainly not safety critical. This is certainly not safety critical. This is certainly not safety critical. This is just an app that makes your life easier. just an app that makes your life easier. just an app that makes your life easier. And that description already tells us a And that description already tells us a And that description already tells us a lot. This is a project that needs to lot. This is a project that needs to lot. This is a project that needs to receive a physical signal from the receive a physical signal from the receive a physical signal from the outside world. It needs to use a little outside world. It needs to use a little outside world. It needs to use a little computer near the antenna. It needs to computer near the antenna. It needs to computer near the antenna. It needs to save some recent data. It needs to save some recent data. It needs to save some recent data. It needs to produce a phone friendly screen or an produce a phone friendly screen or an produce a phone friendly screen or an alert, an app store, a public account alert, an app store, a public account alert, an app store, a public account system, infrastructure for millions of system, infrastructure for millions of system, infrastructure for millions of people. That would add way too much people. That would add way too much people. That would add way too much work. That is not the point here. This work. That is not the point here. This work. That is not the point here. This is the thinking process that I'm is the thinking process that I'm is the thinking process that I'm encouraging you to go through as you encouraging you to go through as you encouraging you to go through as you think about your own personal software.

think about your own personal software. think about your own personal software. Let's take the house maintenance app. Let's take the house maintenance app. Let's take the house maintenance app. The desired change is this, right? Uh my The desired change is this, right? Uh my The desired change is this, right? Uh my wife and I should know what this house wife and I should know what this house wife and I should know what this house needs, when it needs it, how to do it. needs, when it needs it, how to do it. needs, when it needs it, how to do it. The information comes from appliance The information comes from appliance The information comes from appliance labels. It'll come from manuals. It'll labels. It'll come from manuals. It'll labels. It'll come from manuals. It'll come from photos. It'll come from come from photos. It'll come from come from photos. It'll come from service dates and plants and and the service dates and plants and and the service dates and plants and and the history of the house. And just two history of the house. And just two history of the house. And just two people need to see and change the same people need to see and change the same people need to see and change the same records back and forth so they can keep records back and forth so they can keep records back and forth so they can keep track of what's being updated. and it track of what's being updated. and it track of what's being updated. and it should work on the phone. A mistake may should work on the phone. A mistake may should work on the phone. A mistake may be inconvenient, but it's usually not be inconvenient, but it's usually not be inconvenient, but it's usually not the end of the world, right? You may use the end of the world, right? You may use the end of the world, right? You may use the wrong wrench on on the pipe for for the wrong wrench on on the pipe for for the wrong wrench on on the pipe for for fixing the sink or you may forget to fixing the sink or you may forget to fixing the sink or you may forget to water the lawn, but it's going to be water the lawn, but it's going to be water the lawn, but it's going to be okay. This points to a private web app okay. This points to a private web app okay. This points to a private web app with a shared database, photo storage, with a shared database, photo storage, with a shared database, photo storage, and probably a couple of household and probably a couple of household and probably a couple of household loginins. And so, the wish that you're loginins. And so, the wish that you're loginins. And so, the wish that you're making in this app, and I do encourage making in this app, and I do encourage making in this app, and I do encourage you to think of it almost Disney style, you to think of it almost Disney style, you to think of it almost Disney style, like personal software, your wish comes like personal software, your wish comes like personal software, your wish comes true. uh the wish is revealing a true. uh the wish is revealing a true. uh the wish is revealing a technical shape even before we select a technical shape even before we select a technical shape even before we select a model or ask that model to write any model or ask that model to write any model or ask that model to write any code for us. And I don't think they've code for us. And I don't think they've code for us. And I don't think they've been laid out very clearly. So I'm going been laid out very clearly. So I'm going been laid out very clearly. So I'm going to lay them out for you. The first is a to lay them out for you. The first is a to lay them out for you. The first is a local tool. It runs on one computer and local tool. It runs on one computer and local tool. It runs on one computer and uses files or a tiny database on that uses files or a tiny database on that uses files or a tiny database on that computer. It's the absolute simplest computer. It's the absolute simplest computer. It's the absolute simplest route for something that only you use, route for something that only you use, route for something that only you use, like a document organizer or a private like a document organizer or a private like a document organizer or a private research tool or a utility that renames research tool or a utility that renames research tool or a utility that renames and sorts photos that may never need a and sorts photos that may never need a and sorts photos that may never need a website or a login. The second, slightly website or a login. The second, slightly website or a login. The second, slightly more complicated, is a web app. It opens more complicated, is a web app. It opens more complicated, is a web app. It opens from a link. It works in a browser, and from a link. It works in a browser, and from a link. It works in a browser, and it can usually be added to a phone's it can usually be added to a phone's it can usually be added to a phone's home screen. This is the default I would home screen. This is the default I would home screen. This is the default I would recommend for most personal software, recommend for most personal software, recommend for most personal software, unless you have a good reason to be more unless you have a good reason to be more unless you have a good reason to be more complicated. One version can work on a

complicated. One version can work on a complicated. One version can work on a laptop, a phone, even an Android, right? laptop, a phone, even an Android, right? laptop, a phone, even an Android, right? You can share it with a spouse or a few You can share it with a spouse or a few You can share it with a spouse or a few co-workers without going through any co-workers without going through any co-workers without going through any kind of app store registration or kind of app store registration or kind of app store registration or pretending you're a developer for Apple pretending you're a developer for Apple pretending you're a developer for Apple or whatever you may have. The third, or whatever you may have. The third, or whatever you may have. The third, definitely more complicated, is a native definitely more complicated, is a native definitely more complicated, is a native phone app. And this is what a lot of us phone app. And this is what a lot of us phone app. And this is what a lot of us picture when we hear the word app picture when we hear the word app picture when we hear the word app because Apple's trained us this way. But because Apple's trained us this way. But because Apple's trained us this way. But it comes with more work. You need it it comes with more work. You need it it comes with more work. You need it when the software depends on a deeper when the software depends on a deeper when the software depends on a deeper phone feature like a reliable push phone feature like a reliable push phone feature like a reliable push notification or you have to have notification or you have to have notification or you have to have Bluetooth or background location or NFC Bluetooth or background location or NFC Bluetooth or background location or NFC or even app store distribution for what or even app store distribution for what or even app store distribution for what you're building. Now, if none of these you're building. Now, if none of these you're building. Now, if none of these is what you really need for that wish is what you really need for that wish is what you really need for that wish you're making for personal software, you're making for personal software, you're making for personal software, don't jump into the pool with apps. Just don't jump into the pool with apps. Just don't jump into the pool with apps. Just start with the web. The fourth is a start with the web. The fourth is a start with the web. The fourth is a background service. It might have no background service. It might have no background service. It might have no screen at all actually. It just wakes up screen at all actually. It just wakes up screen at all actually. It just wakes up on a schedule or when an event occurs, on a schedule or when an event occurs, on a schedule or when an event occurs, it does a job and it sends the results it does a job and it sends the results it does a job and it sends the results somewhere. So, a background service somewhere. So, a background service somewhere. So, a background service might check a public record every single might check a public record every single might check a public record every single morning. It might process a file when it morning. It might process a file when it morning. It might process a file when it arrives or send an alert when a sensor arrives or send an alert when a sensor arrives or send an alert when a sensor comes across a threshold. These are comes across a threshold. These are comes across a threshold. These are really basic low-level things and it's really basic low-level things and it's really basic low-level things and it's just taking data from one place and just taking data from one place and just taking data from one place and putting it somewhere else. The fifth is putting it somewhere else. The fifth is putting it somewhere else. The fifth is a hardware project. This is like the a hardware project. This is like the a hardware project. This is like the ferry receiver or a home display or a ferry receiver or a home display or a ferry receiver or a home display or a custom button or a camera or a factory custom button or a camera or a factory custom button or a camera or a factory sensor. The software has to live as sensor. The software has to live as sensor. The software has to live as close to the physical world as it close to the physical world as it close to the physical world as it possibly can. A Raspberry Pi is really possibly can. A Raspberry Pi is really possibly can. A Raspberry Pi is really useful here because it's just a tiny useful here because it's just a tiny useful here because it's just a tiny generalpurpose computer. Uh an ESP32 is generalpurpose computer. Uh an ESP32 is generalpurpose computer. Uh an ESP32 is useful when the job is mostly just useful when the job is mostly just useful when the job is mostly just reading a single sensor or controlling reading a single sensor or controlling reading a single sensor or controlling one device. Uh Home Assistant is useful

one device. Uh Home Assistant is useful one device. Uh Home Assistant is useful when the devices already exist in your when the devices already exist in your when the devices already exist in your house and you just want one place to house and you just want one place to house and you just want one place to connect them. So, you have some connect them. So, you have some connect them. So, you have some different tools, but they're not that different tools, but they're not that different tools, but they're not that complicated. Those are your five complicated. Those are your five complicated. Those are your five options. Once you know the rough shape options. Once you know the rough shape options. Once you know the rough shape of the software, why do you care? The of the software, why do you care? The of the software, why do you care? The tool choices get so much easier. So, for tool choices get so much easier. So, for tool choices get so much easier. So, for that quickest first web app, I would that quickest first web app, I would that quickest first web app, I would absolutely use a simple hosted AI absolutely use a simple hosted AI absolutely use a simple hosted AI builder. This is where lovable comes in. builder. This is where lovable comes in. builder. This is where lovable comes in. It's the easiest one I can recommend. It's the easiest one I can recommend. It's the easiest one I can recommend. But Replet and Bolt also belong in this But Replet and Bolt also belong in this But Replet and Bolt also belong in this category. All you do is you describe the category. All you do is you describe the category. All you do is you describe the software. The builder creates the software. The builder creates the software. The builder creates the project. It shows you a preview and it project. It shows you a preview and it project. It shows you a preview and it gives you a way to publish it. The gives you a way to publish it. The gives you a way to publish it. The service has already prepared a service has already prepared a service has already prepared a development environment. So you don't development environment. So you don't development environment. So you don't have to install a programming language. have to install a programming language. have to install a programming language. You don't have to start a server. You You don't have to start a server. You You don't have to start a server. You don't have to even understand the don't have to even understand the don't have to even understand the command line before you see something command line before you see something command line before you see something start to work. And lovable is a strong start to work. And lovable is a strong start to work. And lovable is a strong default here when the result is just a default here when the result is just a default here when the result is just a clean web app and you want the absolute clean web app and you want the absolute clean web app and you want the absolute shortest route from description to shortest route from description to shortest route from description to interface. For the house maintenance interface. For the house maintenance interface. For the house maintenance example, you can even start with that, example, you can even start with that, example, you can even start with that, right? You just connect GitHub. You right? You just connect GitHub. You right? You just connect GitHub. You create the first screen and you add the create the first screen and you add the create the first screen and you add the records for one appliance. And GitHub is records for one appliance. And GitHub is records for one appliance. And GitHub is where I would keep a copy of the source where I would keep a copy of the source where I would keep a copy of the source code in the history of the the changes code in the history of the the changes code in the history of the the changes that you're making. And the reason why that you're making. And the reason why that you're making. And the reason why you don't have to do that. Lovable you don't have to do that. Lovable you don't have to do that. Lovable doesn't require you to. But if you doesn't require you to. But if you doesn't require you to. But if you connect it from the beginning, it connect it from the beginning, it connect it from the beginning, it enables your project to be portable and enables your project to be portable and enables your project to be portable and you can take it and move it anywhere.

you can take it and move it anywhere. you can take it and move it anywhere. And GitHub isn't too hard to set up. In And GitHub isn't too hard to set up. In And GitHub isn't too hard to set up. In fact, I've included it as part of the fact, I've included it as part of the fact, I've included it as part of the setup guide that I'm publishing on setup guide that I'm publishing on setup guide that I'm publishing on Substack along with this video. So you Substack along with this video. So you Substack along with this video. So you can find it all there. Let's get back to can find it all there. Let's get back to can find it all there. Let's get back to it. Lovable will eventually ask you a it. Lovable will eventually ask you a it. Lovable will eventually ask you a question that really matters. Should the question that really matters. Should the question that really matters. Should the data live in lovable cloud or should the data live in lovable cloud or should the data live in lovable cloud or should the app connect to a database service called app connect to a database service called app connect to a database service called Superbase. Now, Lovable Cloud is the Superbase. Now, Lovable Cloud is the Superbase. Now, Lovable Cloud is the easiest route because the builder easiest route because the builder easiest route because the builder manages the database and login with you. manages the database and login with you. manages the database and login with you. Superbase will take more setup, but it Superbase will take more setup, but it Superbase will take more setup, but it keeps the database and authentication in keeps the database and authentication in keeps the database and authentication in a separate service built around a widely a separate service built around a widely a separate service built around a widely used database standard called Postgress. used database standard called Postgress. used database standard called Postgress. This is why I talk about GitHub and This is why I talk about GitHub and This is why I talk about GitHub and porting your code. How much do you care porting your code. How much do you care porting your code. How much do you care about accessing this other ways in the about accessing this other ways in the about accessing this other ways in the future? That's really the question. So, future? That's really the question. So, future? That's really the question. So, if this is your first personal app and if this is your first personal app and if this is your first personal app and the goal is simply to get something the goal is simply to get something the goal is simply to get something useful working, Lovable Cloud is super useful working, Lovable Cloud is super useful working, Lovable Cloud is super reasonable. And if you're not up for reasonable. And if you're not up for reasonable. And if you're not up for GitHub your first time, that's okay, GitHub your first time, that's okay, GitHub your first time, that's okay, too. If the information matters enough too. If the information matters enough too. If the information matters enough that you already care about being able that you already care about being able that you already care about being able to move the app somewhere else or to move the app somewhere else or to move the app somewhere else or building another tool off of that app building another tool off of that app building another tool off of that app later, uh, or off of the same data later, uh, or off of the same data later, uh, or off of the same data later, I would use Superbase from the later, I would use Superbase from the later, I would use Superbase from the start. It's a little bit more work, but start. It's a little bit more work, but start. It's a little bit more work, but changing the interface is usually way changing the interface is usually way changing the interface is usually way easier than moving years of data. So, do easier than moving years of data. So, do easier than moving years of data. So, do make that choice on purpose, but don't make that choice on purpose, but don't make that choice on purpose, but don't be afraid to make the choice. You'll be be afraid to make the choice. You'll be be afraid to make the choice. You'll be okay either way. Now, Replet is a strong okay either way. Now, Replet is a strong okay either way. Now, Replet is a strong alternative when the project needs more alternative when the project needs more alternative when the project needs more than a web interface. Maybe it uses a than a web interface. Maybe it uses a than a web interface. Maybe it uses a scripting language like Python. Maybe it scripting language like Python. Maybe it scripting language like Python. Maybe it needs an always running server, a needs an always running server, a needs an always running server, a scheduled job, a mobile build of some scheduled job, a mobile build of some scheduled job, a mobile build of some sort. Replet puts more of that path into

sort. Replet puts more of that path into sort. Replet puts more of that path into a single service so that you control the a single service so that you control the a single service so that you control the building environment, the database, the building environment, the database, the building environment, the database, the running application, and the publishing running application, and the publishing running application, and the publishing step. That's super convenient. It also step. That's super convenient. It also step. That's super convenient. It also means more of your project depends on means more of your project depends on means more of your project depends on one service. If you're building through one service. If you're building through one service. If you're building through replet, you are building on replet. That replet, you are building on replet. That replet, you are building on replet. That is where that lives. Bolt is another is where that lives. Bolt is another is where that lives. Bolt is another route for a quick full stack web app. It route for a quick full stack web app. It route for a quick full stack web app. It can give you the interface, a database, can give you the interface, a database, can give you the interface, a database, authentication, storage, and publishing authentication, storage, and publishing authentication, storage, and publishing inside a single environment. And the inside a single environment. And the inside a single environment. And the same ownership rule applies, right? You same ownership rule applies, right? You same ownership rule applies, right? You want to keep a source copy. You want to want to keep a source copy. You want to want to keep a source copy. You want to understand where your data lives. And understand where your data lives. And understand where your data lives. And you want to know what would be involved you want to know what would be involved you want to know what would be involved if you wanted to leave with your app and if you wanted to leave with your app and if you wanted to leave with your app and your data intact. But let's say you want your data intact. But let's say you want your data intact. But let's say you want to go a little bit more advanced. You to go a little bit more advanced. You to go a little bit more advanced. You want to have a little bit more control want to have a little bit more control want to have a little bit more control all the way through the process. You all the way through the process. You all the way through the process. You want to use a coding agent on your own want to use a coding agent on your own want to use a coding agent on your own computer. You want to keep the project computer. You want to keep the project computer. You want to keep the project in GitHub and use a separate service for in GitHub and use a separate service for in GitHub and use a separate service for data and a separate service yet again to data and a separate service yet again to data and a separate service yet again to publish the app. Now, this is still not publish the app. Now, this is still not publish the app. Now, this is still not out of the realm of beginners, right? out of the realm of beginners, right? out of the realm of beginners, right? Beginners can still do this. A normal Beginners can still do this. A normal Beginners can still do this. A normal beginner combination in this situation beginner combination in this situation beginner combination in this situation is codeex or claude code with GitHub is codeex or claude code with GitHub is codeex or claude code with GitHub desktop and superbase and then versel to desktop and superbase and then versel to desktop and superbase and then versel to publish. The coding agent is the builder publish. The coding agent is the builder publish. The coding agent is the builder in this case. It can see your project in this case. It can see your project in this case. It can see your project files. It can create and change them. It files. It can create and change them. It files. It can create and change them. It can run the app locally. It can read can run the app locally. It can read can run the app locally. It can read errors and then it can try again. GitHub errors and then it can try again. GitHub errors and then it can try again. GitHub desktop gives you a visual way to save desktop gives you a visual way to save desktop gives you a visual way to save working versions and recover from a bad working versions and recover from a bad working versions and recover from a bad change or something that you made that change or something that you made that change or something that you made that was a bug. Superbase as I've discussed was a bug. Superbase as I've discussed was a bug. Superbase as I've discussed provides you a shared database. It provides you a shared database. It provides you a shared database. It provides you a login. It provides file provides you a login. It provides file provides you a login. It provides file storage. Versel puts the web app online storage. Versel puts the web app online storage. Versel puts the web app online and gives you preview links so you can and gives you preview links so you can and gives you preview links so you can check a change before it replaces the

check a change before it replaces the check a change before it replaces the version people use. I use Verscell version people use. I use Verscell version people use. I use Verscell almost every day when I'm trying to put almost every day when I'm trying to put almost every day when I'm trying to put stuff up that I can share with people stuff up that I can share with people stuff up that I can share with people and people can see. This route has a lot and people can see. This route has a lot and people can see. This route has a lot more accounts and a lot more choices more accounts and a lot more choices more accounts and a lot more choices than lovable. It's also easier to than lovable. It's also easier to than lovable. It's also easier to replace one part without replacing replace one part without replacing replace one part without replacing everything. The model can change while everything. The model can change while everything. The model can change while the database stays. The host can change the database stays. The host can change the database stays. The host can change while the code stays. and the interface while the code stays. and the interface while the code stays. and the interface can change without moving any of the can change without moving any of the can change without moving any of the data. Like you're not moving your data. Like you're not moving your data. Like you're not moving your household records around. You're just household records around. You're just household records around. You're just switching the interface and that's okay. switching the interface and that's okay. switching the interface and that's okay. It's like a different window onto the It's like a different window onto the It's like a different window onto the same space. Codeex and Claude code are same space. Codeex and Claude code are same space. Codeex and Claude code are coding agents and they're powered by coding agents and they're powered by coding agents and they're powered by models. So they would be powered by models. So they would be powered by models. So they would be powered by OpenAI models or claude models. And you OpenAI models or claude models. And you OpenAI models or claude models. And you can even use an open- source model like can even use an open- source model like can even use an open- source model like GLM 5.2. All of them provide reasoning GLM 5.2. All of them provide reasoning GLM 5.2. All of them provide reasoning and code engines that those environments and code engines that those environments and code engines that those environments use. And people often compare all of use. And people often compare all of use. And people often compare all of them as if they were the same kind of them as if they were the same kind of them as if they were the same kind of product. But I want to be really clear. product. But I want to be really clear. product. But I want to be really clear. If we're talking about building stuff, If we're talking about building stuff, If we're talking about building stuff, we want to differentiate what we're we want to differentiate what we're we want to differentiate what we're doing with each of our tools so that we doing with each of our tools so that we doing with each of our tools so that we can get a good result. The model is can get a good result. The model is can get a good result. The model is simply the underlying reasoning and code simply the underlying reasoning and code simply the underlying reasoning and code capability layer. The coding agent gives capability layer. The coding agent gives capability layer. The coding agent gives that model access to a folder and that model access to a folder and that model access to a folder and commands and previews and tools. The commands and previews and tools. The commands and previews and tools. The hosted builder packages the agent with hosted builder packages the agent with hosted builder packages the agent with an environment and a publish button. So, an environment and a publish button. So, an environment and a publish button. So, I know that sounds like a lot. We're I know that sounds like a lot. We're I know that sounds like a lot. We're going to walk through it. So, you can going to walk through it. So, you can going to walk through it. So, you can choose Codeex because you like its choose Codeex because you like its choose Codeex because you like its working environment, right? Or you could working environment, right? Or you could working environment, right? Or you could choose Claude Code because you like the choose Claude Code because you like the choose Claude Code because you like the way Claude approaches a project. Or if way Claude approaches a project. Or if way Claude approaches a project. Or if you're willing to configure an API key, you're willing to configure an API key, you're willing to configure an API key, you can use a model like GLM 5.3 through

you can use a model like GLM 5.3 through you can use a model like GLM 5.3 through a supported coding tool. The model and a supported coding tool. The model and a supported coding tool. The model and the work environment don't have to come the work environment don't have to come the work environment don't have to come from the same company. That's what I from the same company. That's what I from the same company. That's what I keep saying. And people assume if I'm keep saying. And people assume if I'm keep saying. And people assume if I'm using codec it must be an open AI model. using codec it must be an open AI model. using codec it must be an open AI model. Like you can switch out your harness and Like you can switch out your harness and Like you can switch out your harness and your harness can be different. That's your harness can be different. That's your harness can be different. That's the coding tool versus the model. For a the coding tool versus the model. For a the coding tool versus the model. For a first build, I would just pick one first build, I would just pick one first build, I would just pick one environment. Don't put three agents into environment. Don't put three agents into environment. Don't put three agents into the project because you feel like it's the project because you feel like it's the project because you feel like it's cool. Uh the freedom comes when you own cool. Uh the freedom comes when you own cool. Uh the freedom comes when you own the project files and the data and the the project files and the data and the the project files and the data and the decisions and you feel like you're in decisions and you feel like you're in decisions and you feel like you're in charge of what the model's doing. That's charge of what the model's doing. That's charge of what the model's doing. That's what really matters. It does not come what really matters. It does not come what really matters. It does not come from asking three models to argue about from asking three models to argue about from asking three models to argue about every button and feel like you're doing every button and feel like you're doing every button and feel like you're doing a multi- aent task just to say that a multi- aent task just to say that a multi- aent task just to say that you're doing it. Let's go to the next you're doing it. Let's go to the next you're doing it. Let's go to the next step. Let's say you want to touch the step. Let's say you want to touch the step. Let's say you want to touch the physical world. The ferry example is a physical world. The ferry example is a physical world. The ferry example is a good one. You need a signal from good one. You need a signal from good one. You need a signal from something that you can bring into your something that you can bring into your something that you can bring into your project. In the fairy case, the signal project. In the fairy case, the signal project. In the fairy case, the signal is AIS radio. Uh and the Raspberry Pi, is AIS radio. Uh and the Raspberry Pi, is AIS radio. Uh and the Raspberry Pi, that little computer I mentioned, it's that little computer I mentioned, it's that little computer I mentioned, it's not there because Raspberry Pies are not there because Raspberry Pies are not there because Raspberry Pies are fun, although they're fun. It's there fun, although they're fun. It's there fun, although they're fun. It's there because the receiver and the antenna because the receiver and the antenna because the receiver and the antenna need a little computer in the house that need a little computer in the house that need a little computer in the house that can decode the signal and keep running can decode the signal and keep running can decode the signal and keep running regardless. So a small local database regardless. So a small local database regardless. So a small local database called SQL light can hold recent vessel called SQL light can hold recent vessel called SQL light can hold recent vessel positions in this case and arrival positions in this case and arrival positions in this case and arrival calculations. A private web page on the calculations. A private web page on the calculations. A private web page on the Pi can show the result. And a tool like Pi can show the result. And a tool like Pi can show the result. And a tool like Tailcale can let approved household Tailcale can let approved household Tailcale can let approved household devices reach that page from outside the devices reach that page from outside the devices reach that page from outside the home without exposing the Raspberry Pi home without exposing the Raspberry Pi home without exposing the Raspberry Pi to the internet. Tail scale is a little to the internet. Tail scale is a little to the internet. Tail scale is a little bit magic that way. for lights or bit magic that way. for lights or bit magic that way. for lights or thermostats or plugs or existing thermostats or plugs or existing thermostats or plugs or existing sensors. You can start with Home sensors. You can start with Home sensors. You can start with Home Assistant before you build a custom Assistant before you build a custom Assistant before you build a custom platform. Uh you can grab uh a new

platform. Uh you can grab uh a new platform. Uh you can grab uh a new temperature or motion or moisture sensor temperature or motion or moisture sensor temperature or motion or moisture sensor and and let's say that that all you need and and let's say that that all you need and and let's say that that all you need is that you may only want an ESP32 is that you may only want an ESP32 is that you may only want an ESP32 sensor with ESP home. So, you've got sensor with ESP home. So, you've got sensor with ESP home. So, you've got some options. And what I'm trying to some options. And what I'm trying to some options. And what I'm trying to show you is that the more you're close show you is that the more you're close show you is that the more you're close to the existing sensors in an ordinary to the existing sensors in an ordinary to the existing sensors in an ordinary smart house, the less you need to worry smart house, the less you need to worry smart house, the less you need to worry about projects like a Raspberry Pi and about projects like a Raspberry Pi and about projects like a Raspberry Pi and the more you have off-the-shelf stuff the more you have off-the-shelf stuff the more you have off-the-shelf stuff that you can just use and wire up really that you can just use and wire up really that you can just use and wire up really easily. And that's really my goal is to easily. And that's really my goal is to easily. And that's really my goal is to make it as simple as possible. So, if make it as simple as possible. So, if make it as simple as possible. So, if you have a radio or a camera or a USB you have a radio or a camera or a USB you have a radio or a camera or a USB device uh and you just want to have one device uh and you just want to have one device uh and you just want to have one simple feed, look for the simplest simple feed, look for the simplest simple feed, look for the simplest possible option. And if you need to use possible option. And if you need to use possible option. And if you need to use a Raspberry Pi, those are super easy for a Raspberry Pi, those are super easy for a Raspberry Pi, those are super easy for a coding agent to handle and code for a coding agent to handle and code for a coding agent to handle and code for you. You don't even need to know code to you. You don't even need to know code to you. You don't even need to know code to use them at this point. Now, if your use them at this point. Now, if your use them at this point. Now, if your first instinct is, I don't know how to first instinct is, I don't know how to first instinct is, I don't know how to wire any of this. This is exactly where wire any of this. This is exactly where wire any of this. This is exactly where that coding agent can help. People are that coding agent can help. People are that coding agent can help. People are already giving agents photographs of already giving agents photographs of already giving agents photographs of boards and components and saying, I boards and components and saying, I boards and components and saying, I don't know what I'm doing here. Identify don't know what I'm doing here. Identify don't know what I'm doing here. Identify the connections. Explain what every pin the connections. Explain what every pin the connections. Explain what every pin does. Please check my proposed setup and does. Please check my proposed setup and does. Please check my proposed setup and troubleshoot it. and Claude will do it troubleshoot it. and Claude will do it troubleshoot it. and Claude will do it or Codeex will do it. Um, and it will be or Codeex will do it. Um, and it will be or Codeex will do it. Um, and it will be really really helpful to have a tool really really helpful to have a tool really really helpful to have a tool like that that can just essentially like that that can just essentially like that that can just essentially stand over your shoulder like a senior stand over your shoulder like a senior stand over your shoulder like a senior engineer and tell you this is the next engineer and tell you this is the next engineer and tell you this is the next step. And we just haven't had that step. And we just haven't had that step. And we just haven't had that before and I feel like a lot of people before and I feel like a lot of people before and I feel like a lot of people don't realize it's possible. The line don't realize it's possible. The line don't realize it's possible. The line between software person and hardware between software person and hardware between software person and hardware person has never been easier to cross person has never been easier to cross person has never been easier to cross thanks to coding agents like Claude and thanks to coding agents like Claude and thanks to coding agents like Claude and Codeex. Now, if the wish you're making

Codeex. Now, if the wish you're making Codeex. Now, if the wish you're making really does require a native phone app, really does require a native phone app, really does require a native phone app, I would use a coding agent with Expo, a I would use a coding agent with Expo, a I would use a coding agent with Expo, a backend like Superbase and Expo backend like Superbase and Expo backend like Superbase and Expo application services. Expo lets one application services. Expo lets one application services. Expo lets one project become an iOS and an Android project become an iOS and an Android project become an iOS and an Android app. The build service handles a lot of app. The build service handles a lot of app. The build service handles a lot of the signing and packaging work that you the signing and packaging work that you the signing and packaging work that you need to do to register it. You are still need to do to register it. You are still need to do to register it. You are still going to need Apple and Google developer going to need Apple and Google developer going to need Apple and Google developer accounts for public store distribution, accounts for public store distribution, accounts for public store distribution, and you still have to pass their and you still have to pass their and you still have to pass their reviews. And I'm not going to lie, that reviews. And I'm not going to lie, that reviews. And I'm not going to lie, that is a little bit more of a process. And is a little bit more of a process. And is a little bit more of a process. And so this is why my recommendation is so this is why my recommendation is so this is why my recommendation is prove your idea as a private web app prove your idea as a private web app prove your idea as a private web app first unless the phone capability just first unless the phone capability just first unless the phone capability just cannot be separated from your idea in cannot be separated from your idea in cannot be separated from your idea in any sense because you don't want to have any sense because you don't want to have any sense because you don't want to have to pay the app store tax to discover to pay the app store tax to discover to pay the app store tax to discover whether your spouse likes the home whether your spouse likes the home whether your spouse likes the home maintenance list. That's just a very maintenance list. That's just a very maintenance list. That's just a very very silly thing to do. Why not very silly thing to do. Why not very silly thing to do. Why not simplify? Okay, now we have the major simplify? Okay, now we have the major simplify? Okay, now we have the major routes but this is where a non-technical routes but this is where a non-technical routes but this is where a non-technical builder will often get trapped. The builder will often get trapped. The builder will often get trapped. The model may choose a familiar database model may choose a familiar database model may choose a familiar database without explaining the choice, right? It without explaining the choice, right? It without explaining the choice, right? It might add a paid service. It might make might add a paid service. It might make might add a paid service. It might make the app public. It might put private the app public. It might put private the app public. It might put private information in the wrong place information in the wrong place information in the wrong place inadvertently. And a lot of this people inadvertently. And a lot of this people inadvertently. And a lot of this people know and they get scared. They're like, know and they get scared. They're like, know and they get scared. They're like, "This is why I don't want to do this."

"This is why I don't want to do this." "This is why I don't want to do this." Right? The answer to all of this is not Right? The answer to all of this is not Right? The answer to all of this is not one magical prompt because one magical one magical prompt because one magical one magical prompt because one magical prompt is not really how you build prompt is not really how you build prompt is not really how you build software. The answer is that you want to software. The answer is that you want to software. The answer is that you want to change the role the model is playing in change the role the model is playing in change the role the model is playing in the project. The model should act, the project. The model should act, the project. The model should act, whatever model you're using, it should whatever model you're using, it should whatever model you're using, it should act like a building partner that has to act like a building partner that has to act like a building partner that has to reveal its choices. And so I would keep reveal its choices. And so I would keep reveal its choices. And so I would keep four small text files with the project. four small text files with the project. four small text files with the project. Any model can read them. The first is Any model can read them. The first is Any model can read them. The first is project.mmarkdown. project.mmarkdown. project.mmarkdown. This says who your software is for as This says who your software is for as This says who your software is for as plainly as possible, what happens today, plainly as possible, what happens today, plainly as possible, what happens today, what should happen instead, the before what should happen instead, the before what should happen instead, the before and after, where the software has to and after, where the software has to and after, where the software has to run, and what information you need to run, and what information you need to run, and what information you need to stay private. The second little file is stay private. The second little file is stay private. The second little file is decisions.mmarkdown. Every time the decisions.mmarkdown. Every time the decisions.mmarkdown. Every time the model reaches a choice that affects cost model reaches a choice that affects cost model reaches a choice that affects cost or data or access or deployment or an or data or access or deployment or an or data or access or deployment or an ability to move or make a decision ability to move or make a decision ability to move or make a decision later, the model needs to record the later, the model needs to record the later, the model needs to record the options, the recommendation and the options, the recommendation and the options, the recommendation and the rationale, especially if it was a rationale, especially if it was a rationale, especially if it was a conversation with you where we you you conversation with you where we you you conversation with you where we you you and the model made that decision. The and the model made that decision. The and the model made that decision. The third is scenarios.mmarkdown.

third is scenarios.mmarkdown. third is scenarios.mmarkdown. This contains the real situations that This contains the real situations that This contains the real situations that the software has to handle like add an the software has to handle like add an the software has to handle like add an appliance from a phone photo, find the appliance from a phone photo, find the appliance from a phone photo, find the correct manual, create the next correct manual, create the next correct manual, create the next maintenance task. It's actual stuff, maintenance task. It's actual stuff, maintenance task. It's actual stuff, right? Market complete. These are real right? Market complete. These are real right? Market complete. These are real scenarios the app needs to handle and scenarios the app needs to handle and scenarios the app needs to handle and they form test cases that the model they form test cases that the model they form test cases that the model needs to validate when it's building. needs to validate when it's building. needs to validate when it's building. The fourth is the short instruction file The fourth is the short instruction file The fourth is the short instruction file for the building agent. Codeex can read for the building agent. Codeex can read for the building agent. Codeex can read agents.mmarkdown and claude code can agents.mmarkdown and claude code can agents.mmarkdown and claude code can read claude.mmarkdown. read claude.mmarkdown. read claude.mmarkdown. The durable truth stays in the first The durable truth stays in the first The durable truth stays in the first three files, the ones I just described. three files, the ones I just described. three files, the ones I just described. Well, this last one, claw. Markdown or Well, this last one, claw. Markdown or Well, this last one, claw. Markdown or agents.down, all it does is it tells the agents.down, all it does is it tells the agents.down, all it does is it tells the current tool how to behave. And so your current tool how to behave. And so your current tool how to behave. And so your instructions to the model are simple. instructions to the model are simple. instructions to the model are simple. When you reach a choice that affects When you reach a choice that affects When you reach a choice that affects data or cost or privacy or portability data or cost or privacy or portability data or cost or privacy or portability or deployment or maintenance, your job, or deployment or maintenance, your job, or deployment or maintenance, your job, the model's job, is to explain it to the model's job, is to explain it to the model's job, is to explain it to you, the human in ordinary English. Give you, the human in ordinary English. Give you, the human in ordinary English. Give me two or three realistic options. me two or three realistic options. me two or three realistic options. Recommend one for the project. Tell me Recommend one for the project. Tell me Recommend one for the project. Tell me what becomes easier and what becomes what becomes easier and what becomes what becomes easier and what becomes harder to change later. Ask before harder to change later. Ask before harder to change later. Ask before doing, especially if it's public or if doing, especially if it's public or if doing, especially if it's public or if it's costly or if it's destructive.

it's costly or if it's destructive. it's costly or if it's destructive. Which is why I recommend keeping the Which is why I recommend keeping the Which is why I recommend keeping the source code in GitHub. And of course, source code in GitHub. And of course, source code in GitHub. And of course, this is one of the most common issues this is one of the most common issues this is one of the most common issues with vibe coding. Keep your secret keys with vibe coding. Keep your secret keys with vibe coding. Keep your secret keys out of the code. And you can just tell out of the code. And you can just tell out of the code. And you can just tell the model that if you're not sure what the model that if you're not sure what the model that if you're not sure what that means, the model will be like, that means, the model will be like, that means, the model will be like, "Yes." And they tend to know that. Now, "Yes." And they tend to know that. Now, "Yes." And they tend to know that. Now, by the way, that's one of the nice by the way, that's one of the nice by the way, that's one of the nice things about the last 6 months or so is things about the last 6 months or so is things about the last 6 months or so is that models have been trained on a lot that models have been trained on a lot that models have been trained on a lot of the mistakes that we made with vibe of the mistakes that we made with vibe of the mistakes that we made with vibe coding and models in 2025, and they are coding and models in 2025, and they are coding and models in 2025, and they are now much much better about good now much much better about good now much much better about good development practices from the development practices from the development practices from the beginning. And you can tell the model to beginning. And you can tell the model to beginning. And you can tell the model to actually test against a real result like actually test against a real result like actually test against a real result like you can say, "Show me a running result. you can say, "Show me a running result. you can say, "Show me a running result. Check it against the real situations Check it against the real situations Check it against the real situations that I asked to make." Done. And that's that I asked to make." Done. And that's that I asked to make." Done. And that's really how you steer the model into a really how you steer the model into a really how you steer the model into a more useful part of the solution space. more useful part of the solution space. more useful part of the solution space. It's like you're guiding a ship. You're It's like you're guiding a ship. You're It's like you're guiding a ship. You're guiding the model toward where you want guiding the model toward where you want guiding the model toward where you want it to go as you build this. You're not it to go as you build this. You're not it to go as you build this. You're not trying to guess the one prompt sentence trying to guess the one prompt sentence trying to guess the one prompt sentence that makes it write perfect software that makes it write perfect software that makes it write perfect software from the get-go. You're just being from the get-go. You're just being from the get-go. You're just being really clear about what you want done. really clear about what you want done. really clear about what you want done. You're giving it a stable job. You're You're giving it a stable job. You're You're giving it a stable job. You're giving it durable context in the files I giving it durable context in the files I giving it durable context in the files I described and a way to expose decisions described and a way to expose decisions described and a way to expose decisions very clearly instead of burying them in very clearly instead of burying them in very clearly instead of burying them in code and assumptions. Now let's see what code and assumptions. Now let's see what code and assumptions. Now let's see what we can do to make all the parts of the we can do to make all the parts of the we can do to make all the parts of the software as plain as we can for folks software as plain as we can for folks software as plain as we can for folks who haven't coded before. This is going who haven't coded before. This is going who haven't coded before. This is going to be one of those things you want to to be one of those things you want to to be one of those things you want to save and replay if you are not used to save and replay if you are not used to save and replay if you are not used to software. The interface is what the software. The interface is what the software. The interface is what the person sees and touches. The database person sees and touches. The database person sees and touches. The database remembers structured information. The remembers structured information. The remembers structured information. The appliance, the model number, the service appliance, the model number, the service appliance, the model number, the service date, the task, but any structured

date, the task, but any structured date, the task, but any structured information that you have in your head, information that you have in your head, information that you have in your head, that's what a database is for. that's what a database is for. that's what a database is for. Authentication, that has to do with Authentication, that has to do with Authentication, that has to do with security. It it forces the model to security. It it forces the model to security. It it forces the model to build a program that is able to answer build a program that is able to answer build a program that is able to answer who are you reliably. Authorization is who are you reliably. Authorization is who are you reliably. Authorization is another big word and that one answers another big word and that one answers another big word and that one answers what are you allowed to see or change? what are you allowed to see or change? what are you allowed to see or change? What are your permissions? Uh so a login What are your permissions? Uh so a login What are your permissions? Uh so a login is authentication and the rule that my is authentication and the rule that my is authentication and the rule that my household can't read another household's household can't read another household's household can't read another household's record. That's authorization. Your host record. That's authorization. Your host record. That's authorization. Your host is the computer that keeps the software is the computer that keeps the software is the computer that keeps the software available. Lovable can host for you. It available. Lovable can host for you. It available. Lovable can host for you. It makes it simple. Versel is a common host makes it simple. Versel is a common host makes it simple. Versel is a common host for a web app. Render is useful if for a web app. Render is useful if for a web app. Render is useful if you're building a Python service. Uh, a you're building a Python service. Uh, a you're building a Python service. Uh, a Raspberry Pi can even be the host when Raspberry Pi can even be the host when Raspberry Pi can even be the host when the software just needs to live in your the software just needs to live in your the software just needs to live in your own home. An integration is just own home. An integration is just own home. An integration is just bringing in something from outside the bringing in something from outside the bringing in something from outside the app. So, a weather feed, a shipping app. So, a weather feed, a shipping app. So, a weather feed, a shipping signal, a calendar, an email service, signal, a calendar, an email service, signal, a calendar, an email service, another AI model that you're calling. another AI model that you're calling. another AI model that you're calling. That's an integration. You don't need That's an integration. You don't need That's an integration. You don't need every single part of what I just every single part of what I just every single part of what I just described to build what you want. You described to build what you want. You described to build what you want. You need to understand what you want and need to understand what you want and need to understand what you want and then you'll have the words to figure it then you'll have the words to figure it then you'll have the words to figure it out because I'm giving them to you here.

out because I'm giving them to you here. out because I'm giving them to you here. So, for example, a tool that organizes So, for example, a tool that organizes So, for example, a tool that organizes files on your laptop may need zero files on your laptop may need zero files on your laptop may need zero account management, no cloud database, account management, no cloud database, account management, no cloud database, and really no host. The ferry screen can and really no host. The ferry screen can and really no host. The ferry screen can start with SQLite on a Raspberry Pi. The start with SQLite on a Raspberry Pi. The start with SQLite on a Raspberry Pi. The household app needs a shared database household app needs a shared database household app needs a shared database because two people need the same current because two people need the same current because two people need the same current information on different phones, but information on different phones, but information on different phones, but that's really it. So, when you're trying that's really it. So, when you're trying that's really it. So, when you're trying to figure this out, I and I keep saying to figure this out, I and I keep saying to figure this out, I and I keep saying this as many different ways as I can. this as many different ways as I can. this as many different ways as I can. Pick the simplest possible solution for Pick the simplest possible solution for Pick the simplest possible solution for your personal software. For an your personal software. For an your personal software. For an independent personal web app that you independent personal web app that you independent personal web app that you want to access later, Superbase is a want to access later, Superbase is a want to access later, Superbase is a super strong general default. It super strong general default. It super strong general default. It combines a Postgress database with combines a Postgress database with combines a Postgress database with manage login already with file storage manage login already with file storage manage login already with file storage with back-end services that you'll want. with back-end services that you'll want. with back-end services that you'll want. Uh, another alternative is Firebase. Uh, another alternative is Firebase. Uh, another alternative is Firebase. It's a good alternative for a mobile It's a good alternative for a mobile It's a good alternative for a mobile first project or a project already built first project or a project already built first project or a project already built around Google services. A builder's own around Google services. A builder's own around Google services. A builder's own database is often the quickest option. database is often the quickest option. database is often the quickest option. So SQLite is usually the simplest So SQLite is usually the simplest So SQLite is usually the simplest possible choice because you can possible choice because you can possible choice because you can literally tell your coding agent set it literally tell your coding agent set it literally tell your coding agent set it up on my local laptop and it will just up on my local laptop and it will just up on my local laptop and it will just do it. And if that's all you want for do it. And if that's all you want for do it. And if that's all you want for personally you on your laptop, you don't personally you on your laptop, you don't personally you on your laptop, you don't have to pay anybody anything. You just have to pay anybody anything. You just have to pay anybody anything. You just set it up right there. So the question set it up right there. So the question set it up right there. So the question is not which database is best. The is not which database is best. The is not which database is best. The question is what is the simplest question is what is the simplest question is what is the simplest possible way to get this data to the possible way to get this data to the possible way to get this data to the person who needs it? And maybe it's just person who needs it? And maybe it's just person who needs it? And maybe it's just me, maybe it's me and another person, me, maybe it's me and another person, me, maybe it's me and another person, but make that the question and you can but make that the question and you can but make that the question and you can even ask your coding agent that and it even ask your coding agent that and it even ask your coding agent that and it can help you to figure that out.

can help you to figure that out. can help you to figure that out. Deployment is another word that sounds Deployment is another word that sounds Deployment is another word that sounds harder than it is. All it means is harder than it is. All it means is harder than it is. All it means is putting the working software somewhere putting the working software somewhere putting the working software somewhere it keeps running uh and making sure the it keeps running uh and making sure the it keeps running uh and making sure the intended person can reach it. In fact, intended person can reach it. In fact, intended person can reach it. In fact, it can be as simple as hitting publish it can be as simple as hitting publish it can be as simple as hitting publish and lovable, right? That's all it is. and lovable, right? That's all it is. and lovable, right? That's all it is. This is what I mean by lovable is really This is what I mean by lovable is really This is what I mean by lovable is really easy. You can hit publish and lovable easy. You can hit publish and lovable easy. You can hit publish and lovable and get a link on Verscell. The project and get a link on Verscell. The project and get a link on Verscell. The project connects to GitHub, right? A proposed connects to GitHub, right? A proposed connects to GitHub, right? A proposed change can get a preview link and when change can get a preview link and when change can get a preview link and when you accept the change, the main version you accept the change, the main version you accept the change, the main version becomes production. And you can becomes production. And you can becomes production. And you can literally ask your coding agent to hook literally ask your coding agent to hook literally ask your coding agent to hook into Verscell and do a lot of this for into Verscell and do a lot of this for into Verscell and do a lot of this for you on a Raspberry Pi. Deployment may you on a Raspberry Pi. Deployment may you on a Raspberry Pi. Deployment may mean keeping the service running at home mean keeping the service running at home mean keeping the service running at home and making it available only to approved and making it available only to approved and making it available only to approved devices through tail scale, which is devices through tail scale, which is devices through tail scale, which is that piece of software I told you about. that piece of software I told you about. that piece of software I told you about. Again, Codeex or Cloud Code can help you Again, Codeex or Cloud Code can help you Again, Codeex or Cloud Code can help you configure Tail Scale. With Expo, configure Tail Scale. With Expo, configure Tail Scale. With Expo, deployment might mean creating an deployment might mean creating an deployment might mean creating an internal phone build for your family internal phone build for your family internal phone build for your family before you even consider an app store. before you even consider an app store. before you even consider an app store. Always know which version is your Always know which version is your Always know which version is your preview and which version is real, preview and which version is real, preview and which version is real, especially if you have a project that especially if you have a project that especially if you have a project that you're going to be updating over time. you're going to be updating over time. you're going to be updating over time. The agent should not replace the working The agent should not replace the working The agent should not replace the working version while you're still deciding version while you're still deciding version while you're still deciding whether your new one works. Make sure whether your new one works. Make sure whether your new one works. Make sure that you have a way to make that project that you have a way to make that project that you have a way to make that project pass your sniff test before you publish pass your sniff test before you publish pass your sniff test before you publish it. Security deserves the same plain it. Security deserves the same plain it. Security deserves the same plain English treatment. You want your apps to English treatment. You want your apps to English treatment. You want your apps to be private by default. Make them public be private by default. Make them public be private by default. Make them public on the public internet only when you on the public internet only when you on the public internet only when you actually need public access. Use a actually need public access. Use a actually need public access. Use a managed login system. In that case, you managed login system. In that case, you managed login system. In that case, you don't need to ask an agent to invent don't need to ask an agent to invent don't need to ask an agent to invent password storage that already exists.

password storage that already exists. password storage that already exists. And that's something that you can have And that's something that you can have And that's something that you can have an existing service take care of for an existing service take care of for an existing service take care of for you. As I I mentioned before, secrets, you. As I I mentioned before, secrets, you. As I I mentioned before, secrets, you want to keep API keys and passwords you want to keep API keys and passwords you want to keep API keys and passwords in the secret settings provided by the in the secret settings provided by the in the secret settings provided by the host. Like Versel has a service for host. Like Versel has a service for host. Like Versel has a service for this. They don't belong in the visible this. They don't belong in the visible this. They don't belong in the visible web page in code in a screenshot in a web page in code in a screenshot in a web page in code in a screenshot in a chat transcript or in GitHub. Do not do chat transcript or in GitHub. Do not do chat transcript or in GitHub. Do not do that. And codeex and cloud code are both that. And codeex and cloud code are both that. And codeex and cloud code are both very good about that. Decide who can very good about that. Decide who can very good about that. Decide who can read or change each type of information. read or change each type of information. read or change each type of information. And you want to enforce that decision in And you want to enforce that decision in And you want to enforce that decision in the database. Right? So hiding a button, the database. Right? So hiding a button, the database. Right? So hiding a button, that's not access control. Access that's not access control. Access that's not access control. Access control is actually enforced at the control is actually enforced at the control is actually enforced at the database level. Superbase is very good database level. Superbase is very good database level. Superbase is very good about this. Now, if two households or about this. Now, if two households or about this. Now, if two households or more are going to use an app, you need more are going to use an app, you need more are going to use an app, you need to create multiple accounts and make to create multiple accounts and make to create multiple accounts and make sure that your accounts can only see the sure that your accounts can only see the sure that your accounts can only see the records associated with that particular records associated with that particular records associated with that particular login. And this is one of the most login. And this is one of the most login. And this is one of the most common and serious failures in public common and serious failures in public common and serious failures in public software. And it's really easy to miss software. And it's really easy to miss software. And it's really easy to miss if you're just thinking about the if you're just thinking about the if you're just thinking about the interface and whether the interface interface and whether the interface interface and whether the interface looks done. Think about it as I need to looks done. Think about it as I need to looks done. Think about it as I need to make sure that the window into this data make sure that the window into this data make sure that the window into this data is only into the data that this person is only into the data that this person is only into the data that this person should have permission to see. And you should have permission to see. And you should have permission to see. And you need to make sure that you ask and need to make sure that you ask and need to make sure that you ask and expect your coding agents to keep that expect your coding agents to keep that expect your coding agents to keep that up and make that part of the scenarios up and make that part of the scenarios up and make that part of the scenarios that you're testing. If your data is that you're testing. If your data is that you're testing. If your data is important, make sure you keep a backup important, make sure you keep a backup important, make sure you keep a backup and then prove that you can restore it.

and then prove that you can restore it. and then prove that you can restore it. You should be doing a test of, hey, I You should be doing a test of, hey, I You should be doing a test of, hey, I backed this up. Now I'm going to restore backed this up. Now I'm going to restore backed this up. Now I'm going to restore it and now I'm going to validate that I it and now I'm going to validate that I it and now I'm going to validate that I can restore the backup. Now, for some can restore the backup. Now, for some can restore the backup. Now, for some folks, the data is not super important. folks, the data is not super important. folks, the data is not super important. If you're building a database of Twitter If you're building a database of Twitter If you're building a database of Twitter likes and bookmarks, which I've done in likes and bookmarks, which I've done in likes and bookmarks, which I've done in the past, I'm okay if that's not super the past, I'm okay if that's not super the past, I'm okay if that's not super perfect. But make sure it's up to perfect. But make sure it's up to perfect. But make sure it's up to whatever standards you have for your whatever standards you have for your whatever standards you have for your software. And you'll need to change that software. And you'll need to change that software. And you'll need to change that standard as your risk profile adjusts, standard as your risk profile adjusts, standard as your risk profile adjusts, right? A private plant reminder to water right? A private plant reminder to water right? A private plant reminder to water your plants. That's one thing, right? your plants. That's one thing, right? your plants. That's one thing, right? But if you're dealing with payments or But if you're dealing with payments or But if you're dealing with payments or children's information or medical children's information or medical children's information or medical information or legal records, you should information or legal records, you should information or legal records, you should make sure that you actually get your make sure that you actually get your make sure that you actually get your software reviewed before you start to software reviewed before you start to software reviewed before you start to use it because you don't want to take use it because you don't want to take use it because you don't want to take chances with something like that. Which chances with something like that. Which chances with something like that. Which is why I say like if you're doing this is why I say like if you're doing this is why I say like if you're doing this as a personal app, don't start with as a personal app, don't start with as a personal app, don't start with sensitive information. Don't go on hard sensitive information. Don't go on hard sensitive information. Don't go on hard mode initially. It's just not it doesn't mode initially. It's just not it doesn't mode initially. It's just not it doesn't have to be that hard, right? You can have to be that hard, right? You can have to be that hard, right? You can start with something simpler and then start with something simpler and then start with something simpler and then work your way up to more secure apps. work your way up to more secure apps. work your way up to more secure apps. But regardless of the level of security But regardless of the level of security But regardless of the level of security in the app, you need a way to know that in the app, you need a way to know that in the app, you need a way to know that your software works. You don't need to your software works. You don't need to your software works. You don't need to begin with testing vocabulary. You just begin with testing vocabulary. You just begin with testing vocabulary. You just need to write down the situations that need to write down the situations that need to write down the situations that matter and try them on the device that matter and try them on the device that matter and try them on the device that will really be used and see if it works.

will really be used and see if it works. will really be used and see if it works. I vividly remember working with my kid I vividly remember working with my kid I vividly remember working with my kid who's nine and she told me, "Dad, my app who's nine and she told me, "Dad, my app who's nine and she told me, "Dad, my app has no bugs." And I said, "How much has no bugs." And I said, "How much has no bugs." And I said, "How much testing did you do?" And she said, testing did you do?" And she said, testing did you do?" And she said, "None." Or five minutes of testing. "None." Or five minutes of testing. "None." Or five minutes of testing. That's not enough testing, right? you That's not enough testing, right? you That's not enough testing, right? you actually have to check and make sure actually have to check and make sure actually have to check and make sure that the app actually works with all the that the app actually works with all the that the app actually works with all the scenarios that you're going to encounter scenarios that you're going to encounter scenarios that you're going to encounter in the ordinary course of business. So in the ordinary course of business. So in the ordinary course of business. So for the household app for example, can I for the household app for example, can I for the household app for example, can I photograph an appliance and create the photograph an appliance and create the photograph an appliance and create the right record? Does the app preserve the right record? Does the app preserve the right record? Does the app preserve the model number? You can see all of these model number? You can see all of these model number? You can see all of these things, right? Can my wife see the same things, right? Can my wife see the same things, right? Can my wife see the same maintenance list that I can? Can either maintenance list that I can? Can either maintenance list that I can? Can either of us mark the task complete and then it of us mark the task complete and then it of us mark the task complete and then it shows up on the other phone? What shows up on the other phone? What shows up on the other phone? What happens when the photograph is happens when the photograph is happens when the photograph is unreadable? Make sure you test those unreadable? Make sure you test those unreadable? Make sure you test those cases that are not perfect where you're cases that are not perfect where you're cases that are not perfect where you're like, "This could be an unhappy path." like, "This could be an unhappy path." like, "This could be an unhappy path." Well, test those. See what happens. So, Well, test those. See what happens. So, Well, test those. See what happens. So, you want to try those situations out. you want to try those situations out. you want to try those situations out. Like, there's no substitute for getting Like, there's no substitute for getting Like, there's no substitute for getting your hands dirty there. You cannot just your hands dirty there. You cannot just your hands dirty there. You cannot just ask, and I've tried this, you cannot ask, and I've tried this, you cannot ask, and I've tried this, you cannot just ask your coding agent. You can't just ask your coding agent. You can't just ask your coding agent. You can't ask Lovable, you can't ask Codeex, you ask Lovable, you can't ask Codeex, you ask Lovable, you can't ask Codeex, you can't ask Claude Code to test it all for can't ask Claude Code to test it all for can't ask Claude Code to test it all for you and assume that when they come back you and assume that when they come back you and assume that when they come back and say it's done, it's actually done.

and say it's done, it's actually done. and say it's done, it's actually done. you need to test and you need to check you need to test and you need to check you need to test and you need to check because there's no substitute for a because there's no substitute for a because there's no substitute for a human saying this actually works. Now, human saying this actually works. Now, human saying this actually works. Now, if you're looking to get started and if you're looking to get started and if you're looking to get started and you're like, Nate, what have you built you're like, Nate, what have you built you're like, Nate, what have you built to help me with this? I'm going to go to help me with this? I'm going to go to help me with this? I'm going to go through some of the things I've launched through some of the things I've launched through some of the things I've launched that will help you along the way with that will help you along the way with that will help you along the way with this. And these are specific tools that this. And these are specific tools that this. And these are specific tools that I've built for my community that you can I've built for my community that you can I've built for my community that you can jump on and grab from day one. And I jump on and grab from day one. And I jump on and grab from day one. And I think that they can help you along the think that they can help you along the think that they can help you along the way to building personal software that way to building personal software that way to building personal software that works for you. So, I'm just going to go works for you. So, I'm just going to go works for you. So, I'm just going to go through, I'm going to name them, I'm through, I'm going to name them, I'm through, I'm going to name them, I'm going to tell you what they do, and then going to tell you what they do, and then going to tell you what they do, and then you can grab them if you want. Open you can grab them if you want. Open you can grab them if you want. Open brain is useful when the software needs brain is useful when the software needs brain is useful when the software needs a a selected personal context that a a selected personal context that a a selected personal context that should remain available across tools. should remain available across tools. should remain available across tools. So, it's good for that squishy decisions So, it's good for that squishy decisions So, it's good for that squishy decisions that make an app really valuable. So, that make an app really valuable. So, that make an app really valuable. So, for example, in the household app, the for example, in the household app, the for example, in the household app, the normal database might hold the normal database might hold the normal database might hold the appliances and the service dates and the appliances and the service dates and the appliances and the service dates and the tasks. OpenBrain does a great job tasks. OpenBrain does a great job tasks. OpenBrain does a great job holding less structured context in a holding less structured context in a holding less structured context in a structured way. You can put the structured way. You can put the structured way. You can put the structured stuff in there, too, but it's structured stuff in there, too, but it's structured stuff in there, too, but it's great with context that a lot of great with context that a lot of great with context that a lot of databases struggle with, like what did databases struggle with, like what did databases struggle with, like what did your technician say when they looked at your technician say when they looked at your technician say when they looked at the fridge? Why did you choose this part the fridge? Why did you choose this part the fridge? Why did you choose this part for the dishwasher? Which problems keep for the dishwasher? Which problems keep for the dishwasher? Which problems keep returning? Why does the faucet keep returning? Why does the faucet keep returning? Why does the faucet keep leaking? And so, in this case, the leaking? And so, in this case, the leaking? And so, in this case, the personal context can help the AI in the personal context can help the AI in the personal context can help the AI in the app understand the house much better app understand the house much better app understand the house much better than just a straight database solution.

than just a straight database solution. than just a straight database solution. Open skills is useful when you want the Open skills is useful when you want the Open skills is useful when you want the builder, your coding builder, to follow builder, your coding builder, to follow builder, your coding builder, to follow the same method every time. And so the the same method every time. And so the the same method every time. And so the instruction to show choices or to instruction to show choices or to instruction to show choices or to protect secrets or to keep your git protect secrets or to keep your git protect secrets or to keep your git history or to check real situations can history or to check real situations can history or to check real situations can become a reusable skill and then codecs become a reusable skill and then codecs become a reusable skill and then codecs or clawed code or another compatible or clawed code or another compatible or clawed code or another compatible agent can approach that project in a agent can approach that project in a agent can approach that project in a consistent way. Open engine is useful consistent way. Open engine is useful consistent way. Open engine is useful when work has to move from one tool or when work has to move from one tool or when work has to move from one tool or agent or person to another one without agent or person to another one without agent or person to another one without you retelling the entire story. So a you retelling the entire story. So a you retelling the entire story. So a simple first app built with one agent, simple first app built with one agent, simple first app built with one agent, it doesn't really need a handoff system, it doesn't really need a handoff system, it doesn't really need a handoff system, right? But if you have a project that's right? But if you have a project that's right? But if you have a project that's maintained by a few tools over months, maintained by a few tools over months, maintained by a few tools over months, you may benefit from it. Ringer is a you may benefit from it. Ringer is a you may benefit from it. Ringer is a more advanced route for builders, but more advanced route for builders, but more advanced route for builders, but it's super useful. It becomes relevant it's super useful. It becomes relevant it's super useful. It becomes relevant when several agents are changing a when several agents are changing a when several agents are changing a system at once, and you need one place system at once, and you need one place system at once, and you need one place to define the change and divide out the to define the change and divide out the to define the change and divide out the work efficiently and save a lot of money work efficiently and save a lot of money work efficiently and save a lot of money doing it and check the result and show doing it and check the result and show doing it and check the result and show the owner of the system, the human in the owner of the system, the human in the owner of the system, the human in this case, what happened. So, this is this case, what happened. So, this is this case, what happened. So, this is effectively a multi- aent system for effectively a multi- aent system for effectively a multi- aent system for building. People who use Ringer building. People who use Ringer building. People who use Ringer absolutely love it because it allows you absolutely love it because it allows you absolutely love it because it allows you to have a lot of cheap agents that build to have a lot of cheap agents that build to have a lot of cheap agents that build for you token efficiently, but you don't for you token efficiently, but you don't for you token efficiently, but you don't want to do it if it's your very first want to do it if it's your very first want to do it if it's your very first project and you're not comfortable project and you're not comfortable project and you're not comfortable managing a multi-agent system. And I'll managing a multi-agent system. And I'll managing a multi-agent system. And I'll just be really frank about that. So just be really frank about that. So just be really frank about that. So these are different systems that solve these are different systems that solve these are different systems that solve separate problems for you. What the separate problems for you. What the separate problems for you. What the software knows, that's open brain. How software knows, that's open brain. How software knows, that's open brain. How the builder behaves, that's open skills.

the builder behaves, that's open skills. the builder behaves, that's open skills. How work moves around that's open How work moves around that's open How work moves around that's open engine. and how complicated delegated engine. and how complicated delegated engine. and how complicated delegated work gets supervised efficiently. That's work gets supervised efficiently. That's work gets supervised efficiently. That's ringer. They all remain optional parts ringer. They all remain optional parts ringer. They all remain optional parts of the map. You don't have to do any of of the map. You don't have to do any of of the map. You don't have to do any of them, but I built them for a purpose them, but I built them for a purpose them, but I built them for a purpose like this. And I want you to know what like this. And I want you to know what like this. And I want you to know what your options are. So to get started, your options are. So to get started, your options are. So to get started, what would I actually do in the first what would I actually do in the first what would I actually do in the first hour? I would simply write down the one hour? I would simply write down the one hour? I would simply write down the one thing you've wanted to build for a long thing you've wanted to build for a long thing you've wanted to build for a long time. I would name what that looks like. time. I would name what that looks like. time. I would name what that looks like. I would describe what happens now and I would describe what happens now and I would describe what happens now and what ought to happen instead. I would what ought to happen instead. I would what ought to happen instead. I would identify the signal or information that identify the signal or information that identify the signal or information that might make it possible. And then I would might make it possible. And then I would might make it possible. And then I would say where that result should appear. say where that result should appear. say where that result should appear. What screen did it appear on? Why? Who What screen did it appear on? Why? Who What screen did it appear on? Why? Who should see it? What would be bad if it should see it? What would be bad if it should see it? What would be bad if it failed? And then when you've done all of failed? And then when you've done all of failed? And then when you've done all of that, you can start to go back through that, you can start to go back through that, you can start to go back through this video and choose a building this video and choose a building this video and choose a building environment. Maybe Lovable if it's your environment. Maybe Lovable if it's your environment. Maybe Lovable if it's your first project. Just start with Lovable. first project. Just start with Lovable. first project. Just start with Lovable. If it's a private web app and you want If it's a private web app and you want If it's a private web app and you want the least setup, Lovable is super easy. the least setup, Lovable is super easy. the least setup, Lovable is super easy. You can use the managed backend like You can use the managed backend like You can use the managed backend like lovable cloud unless you already know lovable cloud unless you already know lovable cloud unless you already know that data portability matters uh enough that data portability matters uh enough that data portability matters uh enough to justify superbase. But you don't have to justify superbase. But you don't have to justify superbase. But you don't have to start there. You can just start with to start there. You can just start with to start there. You can just start with lovable. If you want more control, yeah, lovable. If you want more control, yeah, lovable. If you want more control, yeah, you can open up codeex, you can open up you can open up codeex, you can open up you can open up codeex, you can open up cloud code uh and you can just use that cloud code uh and you can just use that cloud code uh and you can just use that as a way to build. And these days they as a way to build. And these days they as a way to build. And these days they integrate so nicely with services like integrate so nicely with services like integrate so nicely with services like Verscell that you don't even have to Verscell that you don't even have to Verscell that you don't even have to know or or log in and personally manage know or or log in and personally manage know or or log in and personally manage those services. You can have coding those services. You can have coding those services. You can have coding agents like Claude Code or Codeex do it agents like Claude Code or Codeex do it agents like Claude Code or Codeex do it for you. Of course, if it depends on a for you. Of course, if it depends on a for you. Of course, if it depends on a sensor, you're going to want something

sensor, you're going to want something sensor, you're going to want something that picks up that sensor. So, I that picks up that sensor. So, I that picks up that sensor. So, I mentioned a tool like Home Assistant. I mentioned a tool like Home Assistant. I mentioned a tool like Home Assistant. I mentioned Raspberry Pi. Those are mentioned Raspberry Pi. Those are mentioned Raspberry Pi. Those are absolutely possible for non-technical absolutely possible for non-technical absolutely possible for non-technical people to use because you have a coding people to use because you have a coding people to use because you have a coding agent that you can take pictures of of agent that you can take pictures of of agent that you can take pictures of of your setup and you can actually have the your setup and you can actually have the your setup and you can actually have the coding agent troubleshoot it for you and coding agent troubleshoot it for you and coding agent troubleshoot it for you and you can literally hook in. I've had you can literally hook in. I've had you can literally hook in. I've had people hook in and drive their Raspberry people hook in and drive their Raspberry people hook in and drive their Raspberry Pi from codeex from Claude Code. It's Pi from codeex from Claude Code. It's Pi from codeex from Claude Code. It's super easy. And I can't emphasize this super easy. And I can't emphasize this super easy. And I can't emphasize this enough. Over and over and over again, I enough. Over and over and over again, I enough. Over and over and over again, I hear this is hard because my coding hear this is hard because my coding hear this is hard because my coding agent isn't using plain English and not agent isn't using plain English and not agent isn't using plain English and not explaining clearly. Demand that your explaining clearly. Demand that your explaining clearly. Demand that your coding agent explain major choices coding agent explain major choices coding agent explain major choices before it starts. One of the things before it starts. One of the things before it starts. One of the things that's in the uh Substack is a special that's in the uh Substack is a special that's in the uh Substack is a special skill that I've developed for plain skill that I've developed for plain skill that I've developed for plain English technical documentation that English technical documentation that English technical documentation that everyone can use and understand. And so everyone can use and understand. And so everyone can use and understand. And so it forces the agent to stop speaking it forces the agent to stop speaking it forces the agent to stop speaking agent English and makes it speak plain agent English and makes it speak plain agent English and makes it speak plain English. And then you can say like use English. And then you can say like use English. And then you can say like use this skill speak very plain English to this skill speak very plain English to this skill speak very plain English to me about what my options are and then me about what my options are and then me about what my options are and then once you've done that I will make a once you've done that I will make a once you've done that I will make a choice. Now why would you build personal choice. Now why would you build personal choice. Now why would you build personal software? What makes it matter? I think software? What makes it matter? I think software? What makes it matter? I think one of the most beautiful things about one of the most beautiful things about one of the most beautiful things about personal software is it can evolve with personal software is it can evolve with personal software is it can evolve with you. Software is living in the same you. Software is living in the same you. Software is living in the same place as the problem and the person who place as the problem and the person who place as the problem and the person who cares about it. And this is what has cares about it. And this is what has cares about it. And this is what has changed about the world. For a long changed about the world. For a long changed about the world. For a long time, people with technical ability did time, people with technical ability did time, people with technical ability did not live near real life problems. And not live near real life problems. And not live near real life problems. And the people who lived near real life the people who lived near real life the people who lived near real life problems like the ferry problem or the problems like the ferry problem or the problems like the ferry problem or the household maintenance problem or household maintenance problem or household maintenance problem or whatever your problem is, we don't have whatever your problem is, we don't have whatever your problem is, we don't have the technical ability to solve those

the technical ability to solve those the technical ability to solve those problems. And so we never were able to problems. And so we never were able to problems. And so we never were able to build personal software that worked for build personal software that worked for build personal software that worked for us. That's changed now. We already know us. That's changed now. We already know us. That's changed now. We already know what we want. The problem has been we what we want. The problem has been we what we want. The problem has been we haven't been able to actually build haven't been able to actually build haven't been able to actually build stuff. And now we can see the route stuff. And now we can see the route stuff. And now we can see the route clearly enough to begin and understand clearly enough to begin and understand clearly enough to begin and understand our choices and we can stay in charge. our choices and we can stay in charge. our choices and we can stay in charge. We can stay the owners of our personal We can stay the owners of our personal We can stay the owners of our personal software. So this is my challenge to software. So this is my challenge to software. So this is my challenge to you. Pick pick a wish, right? Disney you. Pick pick a wish, right? Disney you. Pick pick a wish, right? Disney style. Give it the simplest possible style. Give it the simplest possible style. Give it the simplest possible shape uh that you can imagine. Make sure shape uh that you can imagine. Make sure shape uh that you can imagine. Make sure you understand what you want it to do you understand what you want it to do you understand what you want it to do and use a building partner like I've and use a building partner like I've and use a building partner like I've described and get to it. Right? It can described and get to it. Right? It can described and get to it. Right? It can be as simple as saying, "Let's work with be as simple as saying, "Let's work with be as simple as saying, "Let's work with Lovable and see how far we can get." and Lovable and see how far we can get." and Lovable and see how far we can get." and then tell me in the comments what is the then tell me in the comments what is the then tell me in the comments what is the piece of software you've wanted for piece of software you've wanted for piece of software you've wanted for years because nothing you can buy quite years because nothing you can buy quite years because nothing you can buy quite fits. And if you're looking for support fits. And if you're looking for support fits. And if you're looking for support along the way, I have a fantastic Slack along the way, I have a fantastic Slack along the way, I have a fantastic Slack community that goes with the Substack. community that goes with the Substack. community that goes with the Substack. It's full of builders like this. It's full of builders like this. It's full of builders like this. Builders who are non-technical, builders Builders who are non-technical, builders Builders who are non-technical, builders who are semi-technical, a few who are who are semi-technical, a few who are who are semi-technical, a few who are technical as well, and they're there to technical as well, and they're there to technical as well, and they're there to be helpful. I've seen people trade back be helpful. I've seen people trade back be helpful. I've seen people trade back and forth and give each other tips on and forth and give each other tips on and forth and give each other tips on their setup. It it works great. And so their setup. It it works great. And so their setup. It it works great. And so in that sense, yes, you can grab grab in that sense, yes, you can grab grab in that sense, yes, you can grab grab those comments and like talk in the those comments and like talk in the those comments and like talk in the comments, but also if you want more comments, but also if you want more comments, but also if you want more in-depth conversation, the Slack in-depth conversation, the Slack in-depth conversation, the Slack community is a great place to start for community is a great place to start for community is a great place to start for that.