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Which AI should I use to code an app?

Coding agents now write, run and fix whole apps on their own, so the question is which one to hand the work to. Claude Code and Codex lead for real projects, Claude in the chat is great for quick prototypes, and DeepSeek is the free fallback.

Which AI does this best

  1. Claude Code
    AI agentPaid
    #1

    Works inside your project on your computer: reads the code, writes new files, runs tests and fixes its own errors. The strongest choice for building and maintaining a real app. Needs a paid Claude plan, and you should review what it changes.

    ✦ Try this prompt
    I want to build [app idea] for [who]. Main features: [feature 1], [feature 2], [feature 3]. First ask me any questions you need, then propose a simple tech stack and a step-by-step plan. After I approve, build it in this folder, run it locally, write basic tests, and explain how to deploy it for free. Keep it as simple as possible.
    Open Claude Code ↗
  2. Codex (ChatGPT)
    AI agentPaid
    #2

    OpenAI's coding agent, included with ChatGPT Plus. It can work on your GitHub repo in the cloud and open pull requests while you do something else. Good for well-defined tasks; vaguer requests need more back and forth.

    ✦ Try this prompt
    In this repo, add [feature] to the app. Requirements: [list]. Follow the existing code style, add tests for the new code, make sure all tests pass, and open a pull request with a short summary of what you changed and how to test it manually.
    Open Codex (ChatGPT) ↗
  3. Claude
    AI assistantFree plan
    #3

    No install: describe an app and it builds a working prototype in the chat that you can click and share. Great for testing an idea in 10 minutes. It's not meant for apps with logins, databases or app store releases.

    ✦ Try this prompt
    Build a working prototype of [app idea] as an interactive app I can use right here. Features: [list]. Keep data in memory (no login). Make it look clean and work on mobile. After it works, suggest 3 improvements and what I'd need to turn it into a real app.
    Open Claude ↗
  4. DeepSeek
    AI assistantFree
    #4

    Free and strong at code, so it's a good fallback for explaining errors and writing functions. It only advises: it can't run your code or touch your files, so you copy and paste.

    ✦ Try this prompt
    I'm building [app] with [language / framework]. Here's my code: [paste code]. And here's the error: [paste error]. Explain what's wrong in simple terms, give me the fixed code, and tell me how to avoid this next time.
    Open DeepSeek ↗

Specialised tools

  1. Cursor
    Free plan

    A code editor with AI built in. It's the best pick if you already code a bit and want to go much faster.

    Open Cursor ↗
  2. Replit
    Free plan

    Everything runs in the browser, hosting included. It's the easiest start if you've never coded and want an app online today.

    Open Replit ↗

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