how much can you build with free AI?
Hey there,
Building with AI is getting more interesting every day.
New, more powerful models are enabling us to build more complex software with fewer prompts.
Honestly, building software today depends on how much access you have to these powerful models.
If you're on a Claude Code Pro subscription, it's good for a few projects, but it hits the 5-hour limit quickly.
It feels like you want to drive fast, but there's a bumpy road ahead, and you keep getting flat tires and have to wait 5 hours for the repair.
If you are a serious builder, you'll quickly realize you'll need more access to these models.
As you move up their pricing tiers, you're able to build more.
Personally, I am a heavy Claude Code user; I run multiple sessions on multiple iTerm panes.
I use remote control, a feature of Claude Code that allows you to remotely access your sessions from your phone, so I continue building even when I am not near my laptop.
And to make things faster, I use the voice mode to avoid typing. I can now build things in a day that would have taken me weeks. I love building, and I am enjoying it.
But I had this thought -
What can we still build if we don't have a paid subscription to these models? Maybe you're a student and can't afford a claude code subscription, or maybe your circumstances don't allow you spending on these tools.
What can we still build?
Luckily, many of these providers have a free starter plan that we can use to get started.
They want to give you a taste of their product.
This is great news for everyone who can't yet afford a subscription.
The natural next question is: how much can you actually build for free?
To answer this, I did a little experiment on my YouTube channel. I tried building a real business website using Replit's free mode.
It was fun. But was I able to build the complete feature list I planned? You can find out in the video.
I hope you'll enjoy the video.
See you in the next one.
Bye,
Shahrukh