Vibe coding is a software development approach in which you describe the application or feature you want in natural language and ask artificial intelligence to generate the code. Instead of writing every line manually, the user explains the goal, the AI produces code, and the development process continues through testing and feedback.
This approach can significantly reduce the time required to turn a simple idea into a working prototype. However, producing a result quickly does not automatically mean that the generated code is correct, secure or maintainable. Code review, testing, security and human responsibility remain essential when using vibe coding.
What is vibe coding?
Vibe coding refers to a software development process that relies heavily on natural-language communication with AI-powered coding tools. The user describes the intended system, and the AI attempts to create the necessary files, functions or interfaces.
The term was introduced by Andrej Karpathy in February 2025. In its original and narrower meaning, the developer focuses more on the outcome than on examining every detail of the generated code. Today, “vibe coding” is also used more broadly to describe building software by talking to an AI assistant or giving it natural-language instructions.
There is an important distinction between these two interpretations. Using AI to write code does not necessarily mean following an uncontrolled development process. If the developer understands and reviews the generated code, runs tests and makes the required corrections, the process may be more accurately described as AI-assisted software development.
How does vibe coding work?
A typical vibe coding workflow includes the following steps:
- Describe the application or feature in natural language.
- Ask the AI to create the initial code or project structure.
- Run the generated application and inspect the result.
- Explain errors, missing features and new requirements to the AI.
- Allow the AI to modify the existing code.
- Run, test and improve the application again.
For example, you might begin with a request such as: “Create a simple web application where users can add tasks and mark completed tasks.” Colours, user accounts, database integration and mobile compatibility can then be added step by step.
For better results, describe not only what you want but also the preferred technology, target users, data structure, security requirements and acceptance criteria.
Are vibe coding and AI-assisted coding the same?
Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they may represent different approaches.
- In AI-assisted coding, the developer determines the architecture, reviews the generated code, runs tests and accepts responsibility for the changes.
- In the narrower meaning of vibe coding, the user pays less attention to the details of the code and progresses mainly by checking whether the application appears to work.
The first approach can provide a more controlled process for professional projects. The second can be useful for rapid prototyping, but as the project grows, it may result in a codebase that is difficult to understand and maintain.
What are the benefits of vibe coding?
Rapid prototyping
Instead of spending days preparing a basic project structure, developers can quickly create a working example to test whether an idea is viable. This can be useful for validating a product concept or presenting an early demonstration to a client.
A lower technical entry barrier
People with limited programming experience can experiment with simple applications and automations using natural language. However, obtaining a result without writing the code manually does not eliminate the need for software development and security knowledge.
Faster repetitive work
Forms, basic data operations, test drafts, sample data and repetitive code structures can be generated more quickly. This may allow developers to spend more time on architecture and business rules.
Easier experimentation
Different versions of a feature can be created in a short time. Experimenting with user interfaces, workflows or technical approaches may therefore become faster and less expensive.
Support for learning
An AI assistant can be asked not only to generate code but also to explain it. Users can examine what a function does, why an error occurs and which alternative solutions are available.
What are the risks of vibe coding?
Code that nobody fully understands
A working application is not necessarily a correctly designed application. If the user does not understand the generated code, identifying the source of a future problem may become difficult.
Security vulnerabilities
Generated code may contain insufficient input validation, incorrect authorisation controls, unsafe database queries or accidental exposure of sensitive information. Systems involving user accounts, payments or personal data should not be published merely because they appear to work on screen.
Hidden bugs and edge cases
A feature may work under normal conditions but fail when it encounters empty values, unexpected input, simultaneous operations or network interruptions. Without systematic testing, these issues may remain unnoticed for a long time.
Technical debt
If every new request is added without considering the existing structure, duplicate functions, unnecessary dependencies and conflicting solutions may accumulate. A small prototype can gradually become a project that is difficult to maintain.
Non-existent features or packages
An AI assistant may recommend a function that does not exist, an outdated method or an unreliable software package. Suggested APIs, libraries and dependencies should be verified through their official documentation.
Privacy and data-sharing concerns
Before sending source code, access keys, passwords, customer data or confidential business information to an AI tool, review the tool’s data-use policy. Sensitive information should not be included in prompts unless its use has been properly authorised.
How can vibe coding be used responsibly?
The following practices can make a vibe coding workflow more controlled and reliable:
- Define the scope clearly: Document the required feature, business rules and acceptance criteria.
- Work in small steps: Divide the task into manageable parts instead of asking the AI to change the entire system at once.
- Use version control: Save each working stage with a separate and descriptive commit so problematic changes can be reversed.
- Review every change: Understand which files were changed, why they were changed and what the code does before accepting it.
- Write tests: Test normal behaviour, invalid input, unauthorised access and edge cases.
- Protect sensitive information: Do not include passwords, API keys or real user data in prompts.
- Verify dependencies: Confirm through official sources that newly added packages are genuine, current and trustworthy.
- Use a separate testing environment: Test changes in a development or staging environment before applying them to a live system.
- Create backups: Keep a verified backup before database changes and operations that may be difficult to reverse.
- Maintain human oversight: The person or organisation publishing the project remains responsible for its quality, security and effects.
What types of projects are suitable for vibe coding?
Vibe coding can be particularly useful for:
- Prototypes created to validate an idea
- Small personal projects
- Simple automation scripts and utilities
- Administration panel or interface drafts
- Generating repetitive code structures
- Test and documentation drafts
- Low-risk internal tools with a limited number of users
Projects involving payment systems, authentication, healthcare data, financial transactions, personal information or critical infrastructure require professional review and comprehensive security testing. AI may still assist with these projects, but it should not be the only control mechanism.
Can someone without coding experience use vibe coding?
Yes. A person without programming experience may be able to create a simple application using natural-language instructions. However, creating an application and operating it securely and sustainably are not the same thing.
Programming knowledge makes it easier to understand errors, recognise incorrect AI suggestions and decide how the system should be organised as it grows. Vibe coding should therefore be considered a tool that can support and accelerate learning rather than a complete replacement for it.
Will vibe coding replace software developers?
Vibe coding may accelerate certain parts of software production, but requirements analysis, architectural design, security, performance, data management and long-term maintenance still require technical knowledge and responsibility.
A software developer’s role is not limited to writing lines of code. Defining the correct problem, selecting an appropriate solution, evaluating risks and making the resulting system maintainable are also essential parts of software development.
For this reason, AI tools are more likely to change how developers work than to eliminate them completely. As code generation becomes faster, the ability to guide, evaluate and verify generated code becomes increasingly important.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need programming knowledge for vibe coding?
Advanced programming knowledge may not be required to create a basic prototype. However, technical knowledge provides a major advantage when fixing errors, assessing security and maintaining the project over time.
Is vibe coding free?
It depends on the AI tool being used. Some tools offer limited free access, while advanced models, higher usage limits or specialised development environments may require a paid plan.
Is vibe coding safe?
Its safety depends on how the generated code is reviewed and tested. Publishing AI-generated code without inspection can introduce security vulnerabilities and risks of data loss.
Can a real product be developed with vibe coding?
Yes. However, when moving from a prototype to a real product, standard engineering practices such as code review, automated testing, security checks, monitoring, backups and maintenance planning should be introduced.
Is vibe coding only used to build websites?
No. It can also be used to develop mobile applications, desktop tools, automation scripts, data-processing programs and game prototypes.
Conclusion
Vibe coding is a new development approach that uses artificial intelligence to transform ideas expressed in natural language into software. It offers important advantages for rapid prototyping, automating repetitive work and experimenting with new technologies.
However, speed is not a substitute for accuracy or security. Generated code should be understood, changes should be stored in version control, tests should be performed and appropriate security checks should be applied.
In short: Artificial intelligence can accelerate code production, but responsibility for the code’s accuracy, security and maintainability remains with people.