On AI Coding Tools and why Freemium Apps Still Have a Future

Nine to Five Mac wrote an article about "AI coding tools may be the end of freemium utility apps". If the last three weeks are any indication of whether AI written apps can replace freemium apps the answer is both yes and no.

The Yes Illusion

Let's start with the illusion that AI can vibe code your app. If you're doing something like a task list or snake, or similar then the answer might be yes, to some degree but in that case it requires preparation.

If you listen to discussions they speak about spec driven AI design, rather than plain vibe coding. The idea is that if you start with "I want to do this in that language" it might give you plenty of lines of codee that need to be checked. If you give it parameters, and specifications then that code is written according to specific rules so that it fits within the rules.

Testability is also key. Code might be written but you need it to be tested and vetted for security, edge case issues and more. It might work well in context A but not context B.

In essence if you want to write your own app, instead of going for a freemium app you need to spend time thinking of what you want to achieve.

The 'No' Reality

Understanding the environment

The more familiar you are with unix and open source, the more at an advantage you are when experimenting with building your own apps. You can tell the AI model which tech to use, as well as ask it to find a more efficient tool. It might suggest one tool that is fine for a dozen images for example, but slow when dealing with tens of thousands, as I have found.

Having the Time for Iteration and Understanding Your Goal

It's good to have time to experiment and iterate until you get a tool to do what you want it to do, without AI distracting you. It often helps you with step 1 but immediately wants to jump to step 2. It also has a tendency to confuse contexts, and in so doing confuses us. It's worth being aware of this.

Writing your own app requires investing the time to ensure that it works as intended.

And Finally

Since Instagram was sold to Facebook I saw no reason to keep using it so years ago I created this clone adding function after function until I had cloned instagram functionality with a few kilobytes of PHP. If I added the ability to add new photos, and a way to log in and authenticate, then it would be a full success, rather than partial.

Replacing Photosweeper with a home grown solution might take quite a bit more effort. That's what I am experimenting with now.