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I started coding aged 48. I shipped my first SaaS at 49. I'm 51 now, vibe coding all day long.

r/indiehackers
7/21/2025

Content Summary

The author, Fred, shares his journey of learning to code at age 48 and launching his first SaaS product, AI Jingle Maker, at 49. He emphasizes that age is not a barrier to learning coding and encourages using AI tools as coding assistants. Fred stresses the importance of starting with real projects rather than tutorials and shares tips for effective coding and product development.

Opinion Analysis

The mainstream opinion supports Fred's journey and encourages late starters. Many users appreciate the emphasis on practical projects over tutorials. However, some users disagree with the idea of skipping tutorials, arguing that foundational knowledge is crucial. There's also debate about the effectiveness of AI tools in coding, with some users finding them less reliable than traditional methods. Overall, the community is inspired by Fred's story and values his insights on modern coding practices.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
AI Jingle Makerhttps://aijinglemaker.comAudio Production ToolLets users create radio jingles, podcast intros, and audio promos using AI or recorded voiceovers, background music, and effects
Rocket.newhttp://Rocket.newNo-code PlatformAllows building apps and prototypes quickly without extensive coding experience
Flaskhttps://flask.palletsprojects.com/Web FrameworkUsed for building web apps and APIs, straightforward option
Djangohttps://www.djangoproject.com/Web FrameworkConsidered for specific projects requiring more robust features
ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot[various_urls]AI Coding AssistantsUsed for generating code based on user instructions and vision

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Lack of coding skills to automate tasks and build tools
  • Difficulty in learning traditional programming methods

Problems to Solve:

  • Automating repetitive tasks
  • Building custom internal tools
  • Creating audio production tools for non-experts

Potential Solutions:

  • Learning Python and using Flask for backend scripting
  • Utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and GitHub Copilot for coding assistance
  • Starting with real projects instead of tutorials

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Leveraging AI tools for efficient coding and feature development
  • Iterative product development and redesign
  • Focusing on solving real user problems

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Launching newsletters and podcasts to engage with the community
  • Sharing personal success stories to inspire and attract new users

Monetization & Product:

  • Developing and launching multiple SaaS products
  • Continuously adding new features and improving existing ones

User Engagement:

  • Building a community around AI coding practices
  • Encouraging user feedback and participation in product development