Lesson 5.3 — Vibe coding: make a tiny app by describing it

AI for Dummies · Module 5: What else can AI do? · About 25 min · Phone or computer

Goal: build a tiny working app just by describing it in words.

What you'll learn

• Explain vibe coding
• Make and use a tiny app

Step 1 · What it is

Vibe coding means describing an app in everyday words and letting AI write the computer code. You don't need to understand the code. Free options: Gemini (Canvas) or Claude (it shows the app beside the chat). ChatGPT can do it too.

Step 2 · Build a tip calculator

Open Gemini (choose Canvas from the tools) or Claude, then type:

Make a simple web app: a tip and bill-splitting calculator. I type the bill amount, pick a tip (0%, 10%, 15%) and the number of people, and it shows what each person pays. Big buttons, easy to read.

It appears next to the chat. Try it out.

• My app works

Step 3 · Change it with words

Make it look like a beach theme and add a 'round up to the nearest dollar' option.

Other ideas: a countdown to someone's birthday, a chore chart, a quiz about your family.

Try it now

Make your own tiny app idea and show someone.

• Done it

Safety note

✅ Done when

• Tried the exercise
• Got the quiz right (below)

Sources (checked Oct 2026)

• claude.com

Quick quiz