How to program with AI without any programming knowledge?

The following article is a supplement to the video created on the Beyond AI channel. We invite you to watch it to see the software development process step by step. There, you will find a detailed discussion on how to use the Aider tool to generate QR codes without needing advanced programming knowledge.

Watch this material on YouTube:

How to Quickly Create a QR Code Generator with Aider

Nowadays, software development has become much simpler thanks to modern tools and programming assistants. Often, we do not need to know complex frameworks, libraries, or algorithms to create a functional program.

An example of a tool that allows us to program without knowing programming languages is Aider, which is based on large language models (LLMs) such as GPT-4, Claude, or Gemini. In this article, we will show how to use it to create a simple QR code generator application.

What is Aider and How Does It Work?

Aider is a programming assistant that can be run on a local computer. It operates based on language models, which means it can analyze natural language text and generate code based on simple user commands. It is an ideal tool for quickly creating prototypes as well as working on larger projects. Aider can collaborate with popular code editors, such as Visual Studio Code, and version control systems like Git.

Its main advantage is the ability to manage the entire project repository, create a local index of dependencies between files, and send only the fragments of code needed at any given moment to the model. Aider can also automatically create commits in Git, making version control much easier.

How to Get Started with Aider

To start working with Aider, you must first install it on your computer. Begin by creating a special virtual environment to separate Aider's files from the rest of your project. Installation instructions can be found on Aider's official GitHub page, where a detailed manual is available.

After installation, activate the virtual environment in a code editor like Visual Studio Code. It is also important to define the API key for the model you intend to use, such as Claude from Anthropic. This gives Aider access to the necessary resources to generate code for your needs.

Creating a QR Code Generating Program

Once Aider is launched, we can begin creating our program. In this case, the task is to create a Mac application consisting of a simple interface with a text field, a "Generate" button, and a space for the generated QR code.

Aider suggests using popular libraries like Tkinter (for creating the graphical interface) and QRCode (for generating the codes). After approving the proposal, Aider generates the appropriate code and saves it to the disk. If any necessary libraries are missing, Aider automatically informs us of the need to install them, which we can do directly in the terminal.

During testing, an error might appear, but this isn't a problem – simply provide the error to Aider. Based on code analysis, it will identify the cause and automatically fix the code. After these corrections, the program should work correctly, generating QR codes that can be scanned with a phone.

Modifications and Further Application Improvements

Aider is a very flexible tool that allows for easy modifications to the created program. If we need the application to generate more than one QR code, we just need to ask Aider to add the appropriate functionality. In our case, two tabs were created in the application – one for generating a single code and another for mass-creating multiple QR codes simultaneously.

Every change in the code is explained in detail by Aider, which helps in understanding how individual elements of the application work. This not only speeds up the work but also educates the user by showing how projects can be developed and modified.

Summary

Creating software with the help of assistants like Aider is incredibly simple and accessible even to those without significant programming experience. Thanks to the intuitive interface and the support of large language models like GPT-4, it is possible to quickly create functional applications that meet our needs.

If you haven't used such tools yet, we encourage you to experiment on your own. You can start with simple projects, like QR code generation, and eventually move on to more advanced applications. Regardless of your skill level, Aider will surely prove to be a helpful tool in your projects.

Let us know in the comments on the Beyond AI channel which technologies you would like to see in future episodes or what programs you would like to create with our help. Your guide to the dynamic world of AI is waiting for you!

FAQ

1. What is Aider?

Aider is a programming assistant based on large language models such as GPT-4, Claude, or Gemini. It enables fast and intuitive software creation by analyzing text and generating code based on simple user commands.

2. Do I need to know programming to use Aider?

No, Aider is designed to be used by both experienced programmers and individuals without technical knowledge. You just need to describe what you want to achieve, and Aider handles the rest.

3. What programming languages does Aider support?

Aider can handle various programming languages depending on the language model it works with. The most commonly used languages include Python, JavaScript, Java, and other popular technologies.

4. Can I use Aider for commercial projects?

Yes, Aider can be used to create software for both personal and commercial projects. However, it is worth reviewing the tool's license and the terms of the language model you are using.

Glossary

• ‍LLM (Large Language Model) – an advanced machine learning algorithm capable of processing and generating natural language text.
• ‍API (Application Programming Interface) – a set of rules that allows different applications and systems to communicate with each other.
• ‍Git – a popular version control system that allows for tracking changes in source code and managing different versions of an application.
• ‍Tkinter – a Python library for creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs), which is a standard part of the Python environment.
• ‍QRCode – technology for creating two-dimensional barcodes that can store various information, such as URLs, text, or contact data.

We invite you to visit the Beyond AI channel, where you will find more inspiring materials on artificial intelligence and modern programming tools. Your guide to the dynamic world of AI is waiting for you!