The days of wrestling with endless lines of code or hiring a professional web developer might be behind us. AI-powered tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT have made creating a functional and visually appealing website more accessible than ever.

However, while these tools accelerate development, they do have their limitations.

I built a website using Copilot, ChatGPT, and my coding knowledge—and here’s what I learned.

Step 1: Planning the Design

I started with a clear vision and sketched a layout that matched my goals. Structuring the site was straightforward: DOCTYPE, header, body, footer, and content sections. PHP helped me reuse components efficiently.

AI-Powered Brainstorming

AI helped me brainstorm ideas, generate outlines, suggest layouts, and offer SEO tips.

AI-Assisted HTML & CSS Layout

Step 2: Writing Code with AI

Copilot and ChatGPT generated HTML, CSS, and JavaScript quickly. But AI code needs human review to avoid logic errors or security flaws.

Tips

  • Use short, specific prompts: Clear instructions yield better results.
  • Validate generated code: Manual debugging is essential.
  • Balance AI efficiency with creativity: Templates are helpful, but originality matters.
Styling with CSS & Bootstrap - Code

Step 3: Automating Tasks & Backend Development

Copilot helped me generate PHP scripts for headers, footers, and content sections. I planned MySQL integration for later stages.

Tips

  • Use AI for repetitive PHP tasks.
  • Review database security setups.
  • Explore AI-generated REST APIs for smoother data exchange.
PHP and APIs Code

Step 4: Using Frameworks Like Bootstrap & React

AI suggested frameworks and guided implementation. I used Copilot to navigate React and Tailwind CSS, but hands-on learning was key.

Tips

  • Use AI for guidance, but experiment manually.
  • Treat AI suggestions as starting points, not final answers.

Understanding AI’s Processing Limits

AI tools can handle hundreds of lines of code but struggle with large files or multi-file projects.

Practical Limits

  • Copilot: Best for real-time suggestions in code editors.
  • ChatGPT: Can review 300–500 lines per interaction but may falter with complex logic.

Final Thoughts: AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement

AI boosts efficiency but doesn’t replace human creativity or judgment. Use it as an assistant to build websites that are functional, secure, and uniquely yours.