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The AI Builder Starter Stack

The short list of tools to start building with AI in 2026, one layer at a time, plus five workflow rules that keep agent-written code shippable. Read it here, or subscribe and get the one-page PDF to keep.

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The stack, layer by layer

1. A coding agent

Pick one editor agent and one terminal agent. Compare options →

2. A browser app builder (for prototypes)

For a quick demo, or if you don't code yet. Compare options →

3. Model access

One API key for many models, or run open models on your machine.

4. Agent plumbing

Shared instructions and tool connections.

5. Ship it

Free or cheap hosting and a database.

6. Talk to users

An email list you own.

7. If you make games

Engine agents and asset tools. Compare options →

The 5 rules

  1. Write the rules once. Put build, test and style commands in AGENTS.md (or CLAUDE.md) so every agent follows them. Source
  2. Checkpoint before every task. Commit before and after each agent task so any change can be undone. Source
  3. No proof, no merge. The agent runs tests or the build and shows the output before it says "done". Source
  4. Fresh eyes on every diff. Have a second, fresh-context session review the change. Source
  5. Secrets stay secret. Keep API keys out of front-end code and chat prompts; use environment variables.

No tool paid to be listed, and none of these are affiliate links. If that ever changes, links will be clearly labeled.

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