What is Vibe Coding? AI-assisted coding with tools are taking over!

Vibe coding is a new kind of coding introduced by AI researcher Andrej Karpathy in 2025. It leverages AI-assisted coding tools to allow users, even those who aren't traditional programmers, to write code and build software simply by expressing ideas or goals in plain language. This revolutionary approach is gaining popularity, particularly with platforms like Replit, changing the landscape of software development.

How Does Vibe Coding Work?

AI, Prompts, and Vibes

In traditional coding, a developer writes every line of code manually. Vibe coding flips this around—using AI coding tools such as Cursor or Replit, a user describes what they want (the "vibes") as a prompt. The AI then generates the actual code. This process is iterative: you see stuff, say stuff, and run stuff until it mostly works. Karpathy humorously describes this as coding without needing to remember that the code even exists.

AI Tools like Cursor and Replit

Tools like Cursor provide a coding assistant called Cursor Composer, allowing users to interact with the AI model directly. Users can easily debug, add features, or even make random changes until it goes away if encountering a stubborn bug.

Similarly, Replit integrates AI deeply, enabling users to vibe code projects rapidly—perfect for quick prototypes or functional apps without extensive manual coding.

Benefits of AI-Assisted Coding

Fast Prototyping

With AI-generated code, users can quickly turn ideas into working code, making it ideal for small projects or building a project or webapp without significant coding knowledge.

Accessibility

Vibe coding makes software engineering accessible. Even users lazy to find documentation or those new to programming languages can create functional software with ease.

Enhanced Creativity

Users can fully give themselves to creativity, letting the AI handle repetitive tasks. The approach allows software developers to focus on innovation, design, and user experience.

Challenges of Using Vibe Coding

Maintainability Concerns

Critics, including outlets like Ars Technica, warn that heavy reliance on AI-generated code might lead to issues in understanding or maintaining the code. What does maintainability mean when AI can completely rewrite the software in every iteration?

Quality and Bugs

Sometimes LLMs (Large Language Models) produce errors or suboptimal solutions. Users may find themselves trying to work around it or ask repeatedly for corrections.

Who are the Vibe Coders?

Vibe coders range from experienced programmers testing new workflows to beginners creating their first app. They embrace AI programming, leveraging tools to produce applications rapidly and efficiently. But, are people actually hiring vibe coders for critical infrastructure? Currently, professional environments cautiously incorporate vibe coding mainly for non-critical tasks.

FAQs

Is vibe coding free?
Basic tools are available freely, though advanced features may have costs.

Is vibe coding real?
Yes, it is actively used in modern software development.

What vibe coding?
A method of coding by describing your intention to an AI that generates the actual code.

Is vibe coding bad?
No, but caution is advised for large, critical projects.

Does vibe coding work?
Generally yes, especially for quick prototypes and simple applications.

Is vibe coding good?
It’s excellent for creativity, speed, and accessibility but less suitable for complex systems.

Is vibe coding the future?
Likely a significant part of it, especially as AI coding assistant tools improve.

Why vibe coding is not my future?
If you prefer full manual control or are concerned about AI dependency, it may not suit you.

Coding energy?
It's a slang term capturing the intuitive, conversational coding style of vibe coding.

Will we surrender our craft entirely?
Not entirely; humans will likely always guide, oversee, and innovate.

What happens when the AI can’t solve the problem?
Human oversight and traditional coding skills become essential.

Will the future of software development run on vibes?
AI-assisted methods will certainly shape the future significantly, though traditional coding will persist in some areas.

In conclusion, vibe coding is a transformative shift, enabling faster, more accessible, and creative ways to build and deploy software, reflecting how profoundly coding agents are changing modern development practices.