Which Path Is Right for You?
There are several good ways to build apps without being a developer. Here's how they compare so you can choose what fits.
I'd rather you pick the right tool for your situation than sign up for something that's wrong for you. All of these options work — they just solve different problems.
Side-by-Side Comparison
What it is
Time to first app
Setup complexity
Human support
Learn how it works
Code ownership
Portability
Deployment
Best for
| Lovable | Replit | Udemy / Self-Paced | Zero to Builder | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | AI app builderChat → live app | AI coding platformChat + editor + hosting | Pre-recorded video coursesWatch and follow along | Live guided programme1:1 sessions + support |
| Time to first app | Minutes | Minutes | Hours to days | ~2 hoursFirst session |
| Setup complexity | One account | One account | VariesOften need local setup | 3 accountsGuided in session |
| Human support | NoneCommunity forums | NoneCommunity forums | NoneQ&A sections, maybe | Live 1:1 sessions+ 30 days async support |
| Learn how it works | NoAbstracts everything | SomewhatCode visible but not explained | Varies by course | YesDatabases, APIs, hosting, DNS |
| Code ownership | Export to GitHubNo way to set up services around it | Download or deployCan't maintain without Replit | If you build anything | Full GitHub repoStandard tools, nothing proprietary |
| Portability | Platform-specificWorkflow doesn't transfer | Platform-specificTied to Replit's environment | Tool-specific | Tool-agnostic skillsWorks with any AI coding tool |
| Deployment | Built-inOne click | Built-inOne click | Often not covered | Full session on itYou understand what's happening |
| Best for | Quick prototypesTesting if an idea has legs | Fast MVPsAll-in-one convenience | Self-motivated learnersWho don't get stuck easily | Building something realWith guidance when stuck |
Our Honest Recommendation
Each tool has a sweet spot. Here's when to use what.
Lovable
Use Lovable if you want to test an idea fast and don't care how it works underneath.
You have a concept and want to see it on screen in 20 minutes. You're not building a business on it — you're validating whether the idea resonates. If it does, you'll rebuild it properly later. Lovable is brilliant for that first "does this even make sense?" moment.
Replit
Use Replit if you want everything in one place and don't mind the platform dependency.
You want to build and host an app without managing separate services. One account, one tool, one bill. You're comfortable accepting that your app lives inside Replit's ecosystem. For internal tools, personal projects, or things where portability doesn't matter, Replit is genuinely excellent and the fastest path from idea to live URL.
Self-Paced Courses
Use a self-paced course if you're self-motivated, comfortable figuring things out alone, and want to spend as little as possible.
There are good courses out there for £10–£20 that cover AI-assisted development. If you're the type who follows video tutorials without getting stuck, and you're happy troubleshooting setup issues on your own, this is the most affordable path. The trade-off is that when you get stuck — and you will — there's nobody to ask.
Zero to Builder
Use this course if you want to build something real, understand what you're building, and have someone to turn to when you get stuck.
You've tried tutorials and got lost. Or you haven't started because the whole thing feels overwhelming. You want to come out the other side with a deployed app, genuine understanding of how software works, and the confidence to build your next project on your own. You know you'll need help along the way, and you'd rather have a human guide than a forum post from 2023.
An honest note: None of these paths — including mine — make you a developer. You'll always be dependent on AI tools to write and maintain code. The difference is what you understand about the technology underneath, how locked in you are to a specific platform, and whether you have support when things go wrong. There's no magic solution. Pick the one that matches how you learn and what you're trying to achieve.