In certain instances, we may earn revenue when a reader makes a purchase or completes a form through our pages or on a partner’s website. We adhere to a strict 
Vibe coding is changing how we think about building software. Instead of writing every line of code by hand, people can describe what they want in plain English and let artificial intelligence (AI) tools handle the rest. It’s fast, fun, and a little chaotic. But is it reliable?
In this article, we break down what vibe coding really is, where it works best, where it doesn’t, and whether or not we should trust it to write real code for us.
Key Takeaways
- Vibe coding is all about turning ideas into apps using plain language, not code, which makes it a faster, more creative way to build software with help from AI tools.
- It works best for quick tasks like mockups or test projects, but it’s not the right choice for apps that need strong security or long-term support.
- One big win is that it makes coding more accessible. Even if you’re not a developer, you can still build something useful just by describing what you want.
- Unlike AI-assisted programming, where you stay in control, vibe coding hands more power to the AI. You give it a prompt, and it does the rest, though you’ll still need to check the results.
- Platforms like Replit, Cursor, and Lovable.dev make it easy to try.
What is Vibe Coding?
The phrase “vibe coding” started as a tweet by Andrej Karpathy in early 2025. He described a new way of building software: giving up control, trusting AI to write the code, and going with the flow.
Instead of carefully planning out every step, you’re following your gut and letting the AI do the heavy lifting.
There’s a new kind of coding I call “vibe coding”, where you fully give in to the vibes, embrace exponentials, and forget that the code even exists. It’s possible because the LLMs (e.g. Cursor Composer w Sonnet) are getting too good. Also I just talk to Composer with SuperWhisper…
— Andrej Karpathy (@karpathy) February 2, 2025
This approach is very different from traditional programming, where structure and logic come first.
In vibe coding, you build first and refine later. It’s often used for quick ideas, weekend projects, or early prototypes, not for long-term or complex applications.
The Appeal of Vibe Coding
One reason people love vibe coding AI tools is that they help you go from idea to app incredibly fast. Want a dashboard? Just describe it. Need a simple game? Tell the AI what it should look like.
So, what are the main benefits of using vibe coding? It lowers the barrier to entry, speeds up development, and makes the process more creative. You spend less time figuring out syntax and more time testing ideas. This shift makes it easier for non-developers to build something useful.
Use Cases & Limitations
- User interface layouts and front-end design
- Prototypes or minimum viable products (MVPs)
- Quick internal tools
- Repetitive boilerplate code
- Strong security and access control
- Clean, scalable architecture
- Team collaboration and version control
- Long-term maintenance
AI can write functional code, but it doesn’t always write good code. That means you might spend extra time fixing it or trying to understand what it actually does.
Should We Trust AI To Code For Us?
It really depends on what you’re building. If it’s a personal project or a quick prototype, using vibe coding AI tools can be a fun and fast way to get things done.
But in real-world settings, especially where money, data, or safety is involved, there are some real risks to consider:
Vibe Coding vs. AI-Assisted Programming
Here’s the key difference: with vibe coding, the AI runs the show. You give it a vague idea, it builds the app, and you often accept what it gives you.
With AI-assisted programming, you’re still in charge. You use the AI to help you, but you review everything, test the output, and stay involved from start to finish.
Both are useful, but they serve different purposes. If you want to build something fast without worrying about the details, vibe coding is great. If you’re building for real users, critical thinking and domain knowledge still matter.
Tools Enabling Vibe Coding
Here are some tools making vibe coding more accessible:
- Replit: A website where you can build apps by just typing what you want – its built-in AI can write most of the code for you.
- Cursor: A tool for developers that lets you “chat” with your code, ask it questions, and helps you fix or improve things.
- Lovable.dev: Great for making visual changes to websites or apps, and it can also keep your changes synced with your online code storage (like GitHub).
- Tempo Labs: Helps you plan out what your app should do, using diagrams and easy-to-follow outlines before you start building.
- Continue: An add-on for the popular VS Code editor that lets you use AI on the code you’re already working with.
- GitHub Copilot: An AI helper that suggests code as you type, kind of like autocomplete, but for programming.
- Claude Code: A smart AI you can use in your terminal. It remembers what you’ve done and helps with tasks across files.
Future Outlook
Tooling Evolution
Vibe coding tools are getting smarter. We’re already seeing platforms like Sourcegraph and Claude Code offer more advanced features, like remembering changes, working across large projects, or helping teams stay on the same page.
In the near future, tools will likely be better at understanding your code, spotting mistakes, and making smart suggestions. This means coding with AI could feel less like guessing and more like working with a real teammate.
Claude Code or OpenAI Codex for non-coders.
Build quick prototypes in any language, create for any platform, and deploy anywhere.
All while working locally on your computer. pic.twitter.com/Aax75hMhHy
— Shubham Saboo (@Saboo_Shubham_) May 5, 2025
Skillset Shifts
As vibe coding grows, the role of the developer is starting to change. Instead of just writing code, you’ll need to learn how to guide it by giving clear prompts, fixing mistakes, and reviewing everything carefully.
The focus is shifting from writing every line yourself to managing the process, checking the results, and knowing when something doesn’t look right. It’s a different way of thinking, but one that’s becoming more useful as the tools improve.
Implications
The vibe coding trend is opening the door for more people to create software. You don’t need to be a professional developer to build something useful anymore. With the right tools and a bit of guidance, anyone with an idea can get started.
That’s the promise of vibe coding AI – to make app building more accessible. But with that freedom comes responsibility: knowing when to trust the AI and when to step in.
The Bottom Line
The vibe coding trend is changing who can build software and how quickly they can do it. First shared by Andrej Karpathy, it’s about moving fast and focusing on ideas, not just code.
But while it opens new doors, good judgment and human input are still essential, especially for serious projects.
FAQs
What is meant by vibe coding?
Is vibe coding a real thing?
What are the main benefits of using vibe coding?
How do I start vibe coding?
Can you use ChatGPT for vibe coding?
References
- Security Analysis and Validation of Generative-AI-Produced Code by Adnan Masood (Medium)
- 20% of AI-Generated Code Dependencies Don’t Exist, Creating Supply Chain Security Risks (Traxtech)
- DeepSeek’s Safety Guardrails Failed Every Test Researchers Threw at Its AI Chatbot (Wired)
- Mercedes Source Code Exposed by Leaked GitHub Token (Security Week)
