Build your first small app with an AI coding agent
https://patrickz.ai/learn/build-your-first-small-app/

OUTCOME
Create and test one complete local interaction before choosing a production stack.

YOU NEED
A computer, a coding agent such as Codex, and an empty practice folder. Git (version control) lets you save checkpoints you can return to; if you have never used it, ask the agent to set it up in this folder and explain each command.

DO THIS FIRST
Do this first: Get started with ChatGPT and Codex: a first harmless task
https://patrickz.ai/learn/start-with-chatgpt-and-codex/

1. Specify one job
Choose a reading list with add, complete and remove actions. Define what happens after a page reload. Use fictional data and keep sign-in and payments out of the first version.

2. Ask for a plan grounded in files
Open the practice folder in your coding agent. Ask for the simplest implementation and an explanation of each file. Approve a small scope before code grows.

3. Build and run locally
Ask the agent to implement the loop, explain the run command and open a preview. Use the interface yourself. An error-free build is only one check.

4. Test the unhappy paths
Try an empty item, a long title, a reload and a small phone viewport. Record results and fix one failure at a time. When a fix works, ask the agent to commit it with a short message describing the fix, so you can return to this point.

PROMPT
In this practice folder, build a simple reading list with add, complete and remove actions and local persistence. First inspect the folder and explain the smallest file structure. Use fictional data, no accounts or paid APIs. Run it, test empty input and reload behavior, and show me the preview and remaining limits.

EXAMPLE / EXPERIMENT
The app is not finished because a screenshot looks good. Add a book, reload, complete it, reload again, then remove it. Those five actions prove the basic loop.

CHECK YOUR RESULT
[ ] One complete interaction works end to end.
[ ] Data survives reload as specified.
[ ] The run instructions work from a fresh start.

IF IT FAILS
If the agent proposes a database and authentication immediately, restate the local-only milestone. If preview fails, paste the exact error and ask for the smallest diagnosis first.

MY RESULT / NEXT CHANGE