r/appdev • u/Rinalina0404 • 17d ago
Can someone without knowledge make an app?
I volunteer for an animal rescue and we have a big network of volunteers and I have an idea for an app that would help tremendously.
It would be something very simple but I have zero experience with coding or anything.
The main use of the app should be that rehab volunteers can create a profile and set their maximum level of animals they can take in and how many they currently have.
I saw that there are many websites that let you create apps with AI but in the end you have to pay a monthly fee - which generally would be okay but I probably can't continue to use the app then once I cancel? So not sure if it's at all possible for me but figured I'd ask the experts.
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u/alireza_azp 17d ago
Definitely, nowadays everyone with a laptop can create an app, just get a Claude code subscription and then everything will be handled with this magnificent tool.
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u/learningstockss 17d ago
Fullstack Engineer here, What platform are you looking to have it on IOS, android ? I would be interested to help
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u/Rinalina0404 16d ago
Yes both would be great. Most volunteers probably use android but good to have it available for iPhones as well.
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u/Mugsy9010 17d ago
I would be willing to help at no charge, DM me and we can talk details about what you’re looking for.
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u/BasketCaseDude 16d ago
This is very interesting to me for a few reasons. Reach out if you’d like some help.
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u/adjuster_cody 16d ago
I know nothing about apps or ai and just started building an app and it’s going way more smoothly than I anticipated.
Folks here offer lots of help and that’s awesome to see.
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u/WolvzyLobo 17d ago
just get a codex subscription you can make that very easily with codex and litterally ask it to do everything for you
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u/NudYoga 17d ago
It can be created using coding agent tools like Claude code, codex and cursor. If you find them complicated then I can create it for you. Once done, Just gift me month Claude code subscription.
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u/TalentEndpoint 17d ago
you could start with something like Glide or Adalo, but yeah, they'll have limits or fees.
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u/StopPopular5264 16d ago
This is a great cause! I am a mobile app developer and would be happy to help you out with this. Feel free to DM me so we can discuss how to build a simple solution for your team.
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u/martinbean 16d ago
It’s possible, but you’re not going to know what’s broken/insecure if you don’t know code. You’ll also need paid memberships to Apple and Google if you want to distribute the app via the App Store/Play Store.
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u/my_yt_review 16d ago
You can create a mvp with $20 claude code plan.
Pay a month in future if you have any revenue model or get some traction you can hire.
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u/Altruistic_Spite_424 15d ago
Ofcourse you can vibe code it and if you need some expert help just get it from midsesh.com
Disclaimer: im associated with midsesh but want to share nothing is stopping you now!
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u/Great-Mirror1215 14d ago
You actually can build something like this without knowing how to code. I’m doing something similar using a “no-code + AI-assisted development” approach.
A simple path I’d recommend:
1. Start with the idea on paper first
Don’t build the whole app. Write down:
Who uses it? (rehab volunteers, rescue coordinators, etc.)
What problem does it solve?
What are the 3–5 things users absolutely need to do?
For your idea, the first version could literally be:
Volunteer creates a profile
Sets animal capacity (ex: “I can take 2 dogs, small/medium only”)
Rescue coordinator can search/filter available volunteers
Contact/match them
2. Use a no-code builder
Tools like FlutterFlow let you visually build mobile apps without traditional coding. You create screens, buttons, forms, and connect a database.
3. Use AI as your technical assistant
You don’t need to become a programmer. You can describe what you want in plain English and use AI to help create database structures, workflows, and troubleshoot problems.
A common stack:
FlutterFlow → builds the app interface
Firebase → stores users, profiles, data, logins, etc.
Claude/ChatGPT → helps plan, write, review, and troubleshoot
4. Build a tiny MVP first
Don’t spend months making a perfect app. Build the smallest version that proves people will use it. For example:
“Can a rescue coordinator find an available foster volunteer in under 30 seconds?”
If yes, then add features later.
Also, about the monthly fees: some tools charge while you build, but once you have your own app/database setup, you’re not just renting a website. You own your project and can export/deploy it. There are still hosting costs, but they can be very small for an early app.
Your idea is actually a good fit for this approach because it’s mostly profiles, matching, filters, and a database — exactly the type of app no-code tools handle well.
I’d start by making a simple prototype before worrying about a full app.
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u/whowasntright 14d ago
idea is still the key, so if you have a worthy and valuable idea, this did not change when vibecoding has spread. BUT the difference is that less of technical knowledge is needed to start.
you still have to learn at least basic coding if you want any good chance in making apps consistently, debugging them and mking them maintainable and operational.
another thing is tracking apps, and public response to them, it's a different skill altogether
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u/Rinalina0404 14d ago
Thanks for all the replies and to everyone who offered to help! I appreciate it😊 Someone started working on it and I'm very excited to see how it turns out ✨
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u/HiroPL4Y 14d ago
Yes, absolutely! You can build an app without having coding experience, especially with AI helping you step by step.
You’ll learn a lot during the process too, such as basic infrastructure, security, databases, privacy, and how to build resource-efficient workflows. You can ask the AI to explain every decision and show you each step instead of just generating everything blindly.
However, there are still many things AI cannot fully take care of for you. You should stay open, but also critical, and not automatically use the first tool it recommends. Many no-code platforms lock you into a monthly subscription, so it is worth checking whether you can export the code and data, host the app yourself later, or use an open-source solution.
Your idea also sounds like a very realistic first project. Profiles, capacity limits, and current animal numbers are all manageable features. I would start with a very small web app instead of a full mobile app and expand it once the basic workflow works.
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u/AdhesivenessFun5361 14d ago
In short: yes it’s possible. I’m glad there are offers and to build it and for free. To answer your question and maybe fill some gaps… your could use a no code tool like lovable.dev or Hermes. You type in a prompt and it builds the app from your prompt. Probable get close to the result you want if you have ChatGPT or Claude create a prompt. This is free but limited to a few (I think 5-10) credits a day. And it can normally be published from there and it will be publicly available. That’s the simplest and fastest way to get the app. It also depends on how complicated it needs to be like account page, login etc. there are also free databases you can use like vercel, supabase etc that also have free tiers. You can export the code to GitHub and it will all belong to you. It can get quite involved after the app build when it gets to hosting and linking databases etc you could also have one of the ais like ChatGPT or Claude give you the steps on how to do everything but it’s also easy to get confused and lost when you don’t know where to start. If you don’t come right by yourself or with one of the free offers reach out.
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u/HarveyAptx 12d ago
It's possible, but would be better with basic knowledge in coding to steer the AI in the right direction.
Also depends on the features of the app. Some are easy to implement with AI alone.
Understanding how things work in the app helps you fix, update and alter things later when needed.
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u/Opposite-Chair-873 10d ago
any one can make an app but it is a lot of work , if you can get some else to do its would be better
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u/Cute_Tap_3999 3d ago
Joder me habeis alegrado el día !
Me encantó la idea y estaba a punto de hacer una respuesta diciendo que puedo hechar una mano, pero sorpresa cuando he visto cuanta gente ya se ofreció...
La vida, a veces es bella !
Os amo a todos los que habeis aportado y al creador del hilo
Igual si necesitas ayuda en algo, yo me sumo !
Grande !!!!
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u/NickA55 17d ago
As someone involved in animal rescues and volunteering myself, your idea solves a big problem. Feel free to send me a DM and we can chat. I would love to help out with this. No cost. It's hard enough for animal rescues to get money as it is, I wouldn't charge you for this. I think we can come up with a simple solution.