If you’ve ever said, “I have an app idea but no clue where to start,” you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need to be a seasoned developer to bring that idea to life. Thanks to modern tools like .NET MAUI, building an app has never been more accessible.
This guide walks you through how to make an app from scratch, even if you’ve never written a line of code.
Step 1: Start With a Problem, Not a Feature
The most successful apps solve a clear, real-world problem. Before you think about buttons, screens, or frameworks, ask yourself:
- Who is this app for?
- What problem will it solve?
- What will make someone open this app every day?
Example: Instead of building “a productivity app,” build “a daily check-in tool for remote workers to track mood and focus.”
Step 2: Define Your MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Your MVP is the smallest version of your app that solves the problem. Avoid feature bloat. Focus on the core interaction that delivers value.
Ask:
- What is the ONE thing my user needs to do?
- What is the fastest way to let them do it?
Example MVP:
- Add a task
- Mark it complete
- See a daily list
That’s enough to validate your app idea.
Step 3: Choose a Beginner-Friendly Tech Stack
There are many ways to build an app:
- Native iOS/Android (Swift/Java): powerful but complex
- Web-based (React Native, Flutter): popular, but often bloated
- Cross-platform with .NET MAUI: one codebase, build for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows
Why MAUI?
- Backed by Microsoft
- Uses C#, a beginner-friendly language
- Visual Studio provides a full development experience
Want to try it out? My YouTube playlist walks you through your first MAUI app.
Step 4: Set Up Your Tools
To build with .NET MAUI, you’ll need:
- A Windows PC or Mac
- Visual Studio 2022+ with the MAUI workload
- Android Emulator (or an Android/iPhone device)
You can scaffold your first app in minutes:
# In Visual Studio
Create a new project > .NET MAUI App > Name it > Build & RunStep 5: Build Your First Screen
Start simple:
- A text input field
- A button
- A list view
Your app can display a list of habits, tasks, or notes.
Example layout with MAUI (XAML):
<VerticalStackLayout>
<Entry Placeholder="Enter a habit" />
<Button Text="Add" />
<CollectionView>
<!-- Habit items go here -->
</CollectionView>
</VerticalStackLayout>
Step 6: Test Early and Often
Once your MVP is running:
- Use it yourself
- Ask 2–5 friends to try it
- Watch how they interact with it
This feedback is gold. Don’t wait until it’s “done” to share.
Step 7: Level Up When Ready
Once your app works:
- Save data locally (SQLite or Preferences API)
- Add navigation and multiple screens
- Polish the design
- Publish to Google Play or App Store
If you want help getting there, consider joining my private community for app builders, where you’ll get direct feedback, weekly Q&A calls, and support from other serious developers.
👉 Learn more about the private community
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a CS degree or a team of developers to make an app. You need a clear problem, the right tools, and the willingness to keep going.
Start small. Ship fast. Learn constantly.
Your app is closer than you think.
Next Step: Try my $97 MAUI Jumpstart to go from idea to app in just 5 days.