How to build a web app with ChatGPT

ChatGPT can write an app, but on its own it can’t put one online, keep its data or let people sign in. Pilely adds that part. You describe the app to ChatGPT in plain words; ChatGPT builds it with Codex, and Pilely runs it at its own link, with sign-in, a database, email and payments built in.

You don’t need to code, rent a server or sign up for anything else. Building runs on the ChatGPT plan you already pay for.

What you need

• A ChatGPT plan that includes Codex, OpenAI’s agent that can work in a folder on your computer.
• The Codex app, or Codex in your code editor, on a Mac, Windows or Linux computer.
• An email address. Pilely signs you in with a code sent to it.

Step by step

1. Open Codex and pick a folder. Make a new, empty folder for your apps and open it in Codex.
2. Send the message at the end of this page. It tells ChatGPT to bring in Pam, Pilely’s assistant.
3. Say yes to the setup. ChatGPT first explains in plain words what will happen: a small Pilely helper goes into the folder, and you sign in with a code sent to your email. Nothing is installed until you agree. Your first sign-in creates your account; there is no password.
4. Choose “Full Access”, if you like. ChatGPT will ask for it so you aren’t asked to approve every single step. You can say no and approve the steps one by one instead.
5. Describe your app. Say who it is for and what it should do, in your own words. For example: “A booking page for my yoga classes, where people sign in, pick a time and pay with Stripe.”
6. Open your app. ChatGPT builds it, and Pilely puts it online at its own link. Send the link to anyone.
7. Keep going in the same chat. Ask for changes whenever you like: a new page, a new field, a weekly email. ChatGPT updates the app and Pilely puts the new version online.

What your app can do

Just ask for these in plain words; Pilely already runs them:

• Sign-in with an email and a one-time code. You decide who gets in: everyone, people you invite, or just you.
• Data and files, kept in a real database, still there next time anyone opens the app.
• Email such as welcome notes, receipts and reminders.
• Payments through your own Stripe account. The money goes straight to you; Pilely takes no cut.
• A server that keeps working on its own, for scheduled jobs, heavy processing or talking to other services.
• Your own domain, if you want one.

What it costs

Building uses the ChatGPT plan you already have, so there is no builder fee. Running your app is paid for with prepaid Pilely credits, and you pay only for what it uses. New accounts get up to $5 of free credit to start.

Common questions

Do I need to know how to code? No. You talk to ChatGPT in plain words, and it does the technical work.

Where does my code go? ChatGPT writes it into the folder on your computer. It is yours to keep, change or take anywhere.

Can I switch to Claude later? Yes. Your apps, data and users live on Pilely, not inside a chat. Send the same message to Claude and carry on where you left off. See how to build an app with Claude.

How is this different from an AI app builder? App builders such as Lovable or Base44 bring their own AI and charge for building with it. Pilely lets the AI you already pay for do the building. See how Pilely compares.