Aptly: Making Mobile Apps from Natural Language

TL;DR

Aptly is a platform that leverages large language models to enable users, especially learners, to create mobile apps through natural language descriptions, making app development more accessible.

Contribution

The paper presents Aptly, a novel platform integrating LLMs with App Inventor to translate natural language into app code, enhancing accessibility for novice users.

Findings

High school students found Aptly usable and engaging.

User experience varied based on prior programming knowledge.

Participants recognized potential for broader application and improvement.

Abstract

This paper introduces Aptly, a platform designed to democratize mobile app development, particularly for young learners. Aptly integrates a Large Language Model (LLM) with App Inventor, enabling users to create apps using their natural language. User's description is translated into a programming language that corresponds with App Inventor's visual blocks. A preliminary study with high school students demonstrated the usability and potential of the platform. Prior programming experience influenced how users interact with Aptly. Participants identified areas for improvement and expressed a shift in perspective regarding programming accessibility and AI's role in creative endeavors.