In this article - and video - we're going to dive into a head-to-head comparison of two AI app builders: Base 44 and Create.

In this comprehensive review, we'll explore their capabilities, limitations, and real-world applications to help you determine which tool might be the best fit for your projects.

Building an Influencer Marketplace to Really Test These Tools

To evaluate these AI coding tools, we'll attempt to create an influencer marketing platform for brands to find collegiate athletes for name, image, and likeness deals. This project will push the limits of both Base 44 and Create, giving us a clear picture of their strengths and weaknesses.

We're big on app builders like Bolt and Lovable but we want to see if these two can compete.

Step 1: Setting Up the Initial Directory

We start by instructing both tools to create a directory of athletes with filtering capabilities. Here's how they performed:

• Base 44: Successfully created a basic directory with dummy data and functional filtering options.
• Create: Generated a directory page but encountered issues with the filtering functionality.

Step 2: Implementing Detailed Athlete Pages

Next, we asked both tools to add functionality for displaying detailed athlete information when clicked:

• Base 44: Successfully implemented clickable athlete profiles with basic details.
• Create: Struggled to create dynamic pages for individual athletes, often redirecting to the wrong profile.

Step 3: Adding User Authentication and Sign-Up Process

The final step was to implement user authentication and a sign-up process for brands:

• Base 44: Managed to blur out sensitive information for non-signed-up users but faced challenges with implementing a custom sign-up form due to its built-in Google authentication system.
• Create: Continued to struggle with dynamic page loading, making it difficult to implement user authentication features.

Limitations of These Two Tools

Our experiment revealed several limitations of both Base 44 and Create:

• Difficulty handling complex, multi-feature applications
• Inconsistent performance in implementing dynamic content
• Challenges with custom user authentication systems
• Unpredictability in feature implementation

While these tools show promise, they're still in the early stages of development and have a long way to go before they can fully replace traditional no coding methods for complex projects.

Additionally, check out other tools such as Lovable and Bolt. These two tools are at the forefront of AI app building.

Here's an example of us building a more complex app with these tools:

The Sweet Spot: Micro Apps and Single-Purpose Applications

Despite their limitations in building complex applications, both Base 44 and Create excel in creating micro apps and single-purpose tools. These smaller, focused applications are where AI coding tools truly shine.

Base 44 Example: AI Impact Calculator

Using Base 44, we created an AI Impact Calculator that allows users to estimate the potential impact of AI on their job based on various inputs such as job role, industry, country, and company size. This type of focused, single-purpose application is ideal for Base 44's capabilities.

Create Example: YC Demo Day Strategy Generator

With Create, we developed a tool to help Y Combinator companies generate strategies for obtaining letters of intent from prospective clients. Users input their company description and target client information, and the tool generates tailored strategies, objection handling tips, and more.

Best Use Cases for Current AI Coding Tools

Based on our experiments and real-world examples, here are the best use cases for AI coding tools like Base 44 and Create:

• Rapid prototyping of simple applications
• Creating single-purpose tools or calculators
• Developing micro apps with one or two core features
• Quickly testing new ideas or concepts
• Building internal tools for small teams

The Future of AI-Powered App Creation

While current AI coding tools have limitations, they're evolving rapidly. As these platforms mature, we can expect to see improvements in:

• Handling more complex application structures
• Implementing advanced features like custom authentication
• Generating more stable and predictable code
• Integrating with a wider range of third-party services and APIs

As these improvements come to fruition, AI coding tools may become increasingly viable for larger-scale projects and more complex applications.

Tips for Using these Two AI Coding Tools Effectively

To make the most of Base44 and Create, consider these tips:

• Start with simple, focused projects
• Break complex applications into smaller, manageable components
• Be prepared to refine and adjust your prompts
• Test extensively, as AI-generated code may contain unexpected bugs
• Combine AI-generated code with manual coding for best results

By understanding the strengths and limitations of AI coding tools, you can leverage their capabilities to streamline your development process and bring your ideas to life more quickly.

Want to learn more about where AI and no code tools are merging?

Watch this interview with the founder of WeWeb:

Ready to take your no-code and AI app building skills to the next level? Sign up for No Code MBA's courses and learn how to build powerful applications without writing a single line of code. Join us today and start creating amazing apps in no time!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are AI coding tools like Base 44 and Create ready to replace traditional coding?

While AI coding tools are advancing rapidly, they're not yet ready to fully replace traditional coding for complex applications. They excel at creating simple, focused apps and prototypes but still struggle with more intricate features and large-scale projects.

What are the main advantages of using AI coding tools?

The primary advantages include rapid prototyping, quick idea validation, and the ability to create simple applications without extensive coding knowledge. They can significantly speed up the development process for certain types of projects.

Can I use AI coding tools if I have no programming experience?

Yes, many AI coding tools are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to those without programming experience. However, having some basic understanding of app structure and functionality can help you get better results.

How do I choose between Base 44 and Create?

Both tools have their strengths and weaknesses. Base 44 seems to handle certain features better, while Create excels in other areas. The best choice depends on your specific project needs and the type of application you're building.

Are there any alternatives to Base 44 and Create?

Yes, there are several other AI coding tools available, such as Bolt and Lovable. Each has its own unique features and capabilities, so it's worth exploring different options to find the best fit for your project.