Reflections on Building a Simple To-Do List App with AI

Edmund Tadros shares his experience developing a basic ‘to-do list’ app with the help of AI, spending roughly $200 and eight hours on the project. As someone who meticulously tracks tasks and projects using spreadsheets, Tadros wanted a more streamlined mobile solution. While he found the process enjoyable and appreciated the convenience AI provided, he also encountered limitations in what the technology could do. The article highlights the balance between human effort and AI assistance in software creation, showing that even with AI tools, some manual input and understanding are still required. Tadros also reflects on his personal productivity habits, revealing how a love for structured task management can motivate individuals to experiment with new technologies. The piece provides a practical, first-hand account of AI application in everyday life, rather than a theoretical discussion or hype-filled commentary. Overall, the experience demonstrates both the potential and current constraints of AI in personal productivity projects, suggesting that while AI can assist, it is not yet a complete replacement for hands-on problem-solving and thoughtful planning.