From journalist to app developer using Claude Code

Daniel Roth, editor in chief at LinkedIn, went from business writer to iOS app developer, without ever learning how to code. Using Claude Code, Daniel built and shipped multiple production-ready iOS apps to the App Store, including Commutely, a personalized train-tracking app for New York commuters. *What you’ll learn:* 1. How to set up a dual-agent Claude Code system (builder + reviewer) 2. Why being a “picky customer” is the right mindset for non-technical builders 3. How Daniel prioritizes features using AI-ranked impact vs. build time 4. Why saving everything as Markdown files creates long-term context 5. The importance of branch-based development—even when AI writes the code 6. How Daniel ships to the App Store without formal engineering experience 7. His end-of-day “What did I drop the ball on?” Copilot workflow *Brought to you by:* WorkOS—Make your app enterprise-ready today: https://workos.com?utm_source=lennys_howiai&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=q22025 Vanta—Automate compliance and simplify security: https://www.vanta.com/howiai *In this episode, we cover:* (00:00) Introduction to Daniel Roth (02:46) Daniel’s AI development workflow overview (05:56) Using Claude to prioritize feature ideas (08:58) Building vs. marketing (09:47) Creating a retention plan for his app (10:38) Introducing Bob the Builder and Ray the Reviewer (13:50) How Bob and Ray work together to build features (14:37) Why Daniel focuses on learning the process (16:34) The importance of using branches for development (17:39) Managing AI agents like managing a team (21:12) Navigating the App Store (23:06) Being a “picky customer” rather than a PM (25:00) Testing in Xcode and shipping to the App Store (28:14) Quick recap (30:00) Creating terminal aliases with Claude (31:38) Demo of his Commutely app (32:10) Using Copilot to manage work responsibilities (35:05) How Daniel talks to AI without personifying it *Detailed workflow walkthroughs from this episode:* • How I AI: Daniel Roth’s Dueling Agent Workflow for Building iOS Apps: https://www.chatprd.ai/how-i-ai/daniel-roth-dueling-agent-workflow-for-building-ios-apps • Build iOS Apps with a Dueling AI Agent Workflow: https://www.chatprd.ai/how-i-ai/workflows/build-ios-apps-with-a-dueling-ai-agent-workflow • How to Use Claude for AI-Powered Feature Prioritization: https://www.chatprd.ai/how-i-ai/workflows/how-to-use-claude-for-ai-powered-feature-prioritization • How to Use a Simple Copilot Prompt to Never Drop the Ball Again: https://www.chatprd.ai/how-i-ai/workflows/how-to-use-a-simple-copilot-prompt-to-never-drop-the-ball-again *Tools referenced:* • Claude: https://claude.ai/ • Claude Code: https://claude.ai/code • Cursor: https://cursor.sh/ • Xcode: https://developer.apple.com/xcode/ • Canva: https://www.canva.com/ • Microsoft Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com/ • Terminal: https://support.apple.com/guide/terminal/welcome/mac • Obsidian: https://obsidian.md/ *Other reference:* • Commutely (iOS app): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/commutely/id6755789873 *Where to find Daniel Roth:* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielroth1/ Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/forward-deployed-editor-7378272989982683137/ *Where to find Claire Vo:* ChatPRD: https://www.chatprd.ai/ Website: https://clairevo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairevo/ X: https://x.com/clairevo _Production and marketing by https://penname.co/._ _For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email jordan@penname.co._