Build Real Apps with AI.
No Fluff. No Paywall.
The actual workflow a real builder uses — from idea to deployed app — using Claude as the primary build tool, ChatGPT as the debugger, and a CLAUDE.md file as the backbone of every project.
What Is This?
There's a lot of content out there about AI. Most of it is vague, sells you something, or skips the hard parts. This is none of that.
What it is
A free, documented workflow that shows you how to go from idea to deployed app using AI tools — exactly how a real builder does it. Every step. Including the errors.
What it isn't
It's not a course. It's not a YouTube channel. It's not a list of magic prompts. It's not going to ask you to subscribe or buy anything.
Who it's for
Anyone who wants to build something real — developers, non-developers, people in AI groups asking "where do I start?" This is where you start.
How the Workflow Actually Works
Three tools. One document. A repeatable process you can use on any project.
Write the CLAUDE.md
Before you write a single line of code, fill out the CLAUDE.md template. It tells Claude exactly what you're building, who it's for, what the tech stack is, and what's out of scope. This file is the backbone of the entire project.
Download the template →Let Claude Build
Open VS Code, install Claude Code, tell it to read the CLAUDE.md file and write a numbered build plan. Then execute step by step — test before you move on. Claude handles the code. You handle the judgment calls.
Learn how to use Claude →When It Breaks, Use ChatGPT
Claude hits a circular error? Screenshot it, paste it into ChatGPT free, get the probable cause, bring it back to Claude Code. This multi-AI approach solves problems faster than either tool alone.
See the full workflow →Everything You Need. All Free.
No premium tier. No upsell. The full workflow is right here.
Free Forever
No paywall. No course to buy. No email list required. Just open it and use it.
Real Workflow
The messy parts are included. Errors, fixes, circular debugging loops — all of it. Proof of concept that this actually works.
Multi-AI
Claude builds. ChatGPT debugs. Each tool used where it's strongest. Better together than either alone.
CLAUDE.md Template
The backbone of every project. Fill it out, drop it into VS Code, and Claude knows exactly what to build.
Token Management
Don't burn your paid Claude account on planning. Use free tools for that. Save your tokens for actual building.
Idea to Deployed
The full path — from the idea in your head to a live URL — documented step by step.
Claude Is the Build Tool
Out of every AI available right now, Claude is the one Billy uses to build. Long context window. Structured output. Multi-file edits. Native VS Code integration via Claude Code. It reads your CLAUDE.md and writes the entire build plan. Then it executes it — step by step — while you test and direct.
It's not magic. It makes mistakes. But it's the closest thing to a real coding partner that exists right now, and this site shows you how to use it the right way.
- Free claude.ai — limited daily usage
- $20/mo Claude Pro — higher limits
- $100/mo Claude Max — power users
- Structured code builds
- Long context projects
- CLAUDE.md workflow
- VS Code via Claude Code
This Actually Works
Real apps built using this exact workflow. No prior coding experience required for most of them.
Stacked Alchemist LLC Site
Full business website. Built with HTML, CSS, vanilla JS. Deployed to Firebase. Done in a single session using Claude Code + CLAUDE.md.
Alchemy AI
The site you're reading right now. Built step by step using the exact workflow documented here. No frameworks. No dependencies.
Your Build
Download the template, follow the workflow, deploy something real. Screenshots of community builds will go here as they come in.
Every Major AI Tool, Explained
Not sure which AI to use for what? The directory covers every major tool — pricing, strengths, honest limitations, and where each one fits in the workflow.
The primary build tool. Long context, CLAUDE.md workflow, Claude Code in VS Code.
Learn more →The debugger. Breaks circular error loops. Free tier handles everything in this workflow.
Learn more →AI search engine. Every answer is cited. Replace Google for technical lookups.
Learn more →This Is Free. Always Will Be.
No course. No paywall. No premium tier. If this helped you build something real, a coffee on Ko-fi keeps the lights on and the content coming.
No pressure. No guilt. Completely optional.