Vibe coding: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 00:39, 15 March 2025

Certain elements of this article are incomplete. You can help the AI Wiki by expanding it.

See also: Artificial intelligence terms

Introduction

Vibe coding is an AI-driven software development approach that emerged in early 2025, enabling users to create functional applications by describing their goals in natural language rather than writing code manually. Leveraging large language models (LLMs) and AI-powered tools, vibe coding allows both non-programmers and experienced developers to rapidly prototype and deploy software through an iterative, conversational process. Coined by AI researcher Andrej Karpathy, the term reflects a shift toward an intuitive, creative style of programming that blends the flexibility of traditional coding with the accessibility of no-code platforms.

Origins and Terminology

https://x.com/karpathy/status/1886192184808149383

The term "vibe coding" was first coined by Andrej Karpathy in a tweet on February 3, 2025, where he described using AI tools like Cursor Composer to build software by casually instructing the AI, e.g. "halve the sidebar padding", without directly editing code. Karpathy noted how he accepted AI suggestions, ignored diffs, and fed errors back to the assistant, resulting in a codebase that grew “beyond his usual comprehension.” This playful remark sparked interest in AI-assisted development.

A structured framework built on three pillars: specification (defining goals), rules (setting constraints), and oversight (steering the process). Community contributions from platforms like Reddit and YouTube further refined vibe coding into a collaborative, repeatable methodology. It builds on the lineage of no-code and low-code platforms, distinguishing itself with natural language input and a modular rule-based system, powered by LLMs like ChatGPT, Claude, and GitHub Copilot.

Core Principles

Vibe coding is defined by the following principles:

Natural Language Input: Users articulate project goals in plain English (e.g. "Build a note-taking app with save functionality") rather than writing code.
Iterative Refinement: Development occurs through dialogue with AI, with users reviewing outputs and refining via prompts (e.g. "Add tests" or "Simplify the layout").
Minimal Manual Coding: AI generates most or all code, often requiring no direct source edits—some users rely entirely on prompts.
Rapid Prototyping: Projects materialize in minutes to hours, fostering experimentation and quick validation.
Accessibility: Non-technical users can participate by clearly expressing ideas, no coding expertise needed.
Rule-Based Control: Users set explicit constraints (e.g. "Use Python, keep it simple") to guide AI behavior, ensuring consistency and clarity.

Workflow

The vibe coding process typically follows these steps:

Initial Specification: The user provides a high-level goal (e.g. "Create a Twitter clone with login").
Rule Definition: Users establish preferences (e.g. "Use Python, prioritize simplicity") via a four-file framework (see below).
Code Generation: AI produces functional code—front-end, back-end, or both—based on prompts and rules.
Review and Oversight: The user tests the output, monitors logs (e.g. progress.md), and requests refinements (e.g. "Add error handling").
Iterative Execution: AI breaks tasks into stages, pausing for approval (e.g. "Backend done—proceed to frontend?").
Deployment: Platforms often enable one-click publishing for instant sharing or hosting.

A key innovation is the four-file framework (stored in a `.cursor/rules` directory or equivalent):

Coding Preferences: Ensures clean code (e.g. "Keep files under 300 lines, document in /docs").
Technical Stack: Locks tools (e.g. "Backend in Python, SQL storage").
Workflow Preferences: Governs process (e.g. "Pause after major steps, log in progress.md").
Communication Preferences: Sets interaction style (e.g. "Summarize changes as Small, Medium, or Large").

This structure tames AI chaos, enhances transparency, and scales from simple scripts to complex apps.

Comparison with Other Development Approaches

Aspect	Traditional Coding	Low-Code Platforms	Vibe Coding
Skill Required	Strong programming knowledge	Basic technical familiarity	Ability to describe ideas
Process	Manual coding and debugging	Drag-and-drop modules	Conversational AI prompts + rules
Flexibility	High, fully customizable	Limited by platform	High, within AI and rule constraints
Time to Build	Days to months	Hours to days	Minutes to hours
Main Benefits	Fine control, robust output	Ease of use, speed	Fast iteration, low barrier, guided AI
Key Drawback	Steep learning curve	Restricted customization	Potential quality/consistency issues

Vibe coding merges traditional coding’s flexibility with low-code’s accessibility, enhanced by AI and user-defined rules.

Benefits

Empowerment: Non-developers (e.g., marketers, educators) build custom tools without coding skills.
Speed: Prototypes emerge in hours, accelerating idea validation.
Creativity: Automation of tedious tasks shifts focus to design and functionality.
Control: Rules ensure AI aligns with user intent, reducing scope creep.
Maintainability: Documentation and logs (e.g. /docs, progress.md) support long-term viability.

Limitations

Code Quality: AI-generated code may lack optimization or scalability without expert review.
Security Risks: Novices might overlook vulnerabilities if not explicitly addressed in rules.
Context Limits: LLMs (e.g. Claude’s 200k token cap) may lose coherence in large projects unless managed (e.g. via context-summary.md).
Complexity Challenges: Intricate logic or edge cases may require traditional coding.
Oversight Dependency: Success hinges on clear specifications and active user guidance.

Tools and Platforms

As of 2025, vibe coding is supported by:

Replit Agent: Web-based IDE with AI code generation and deployment ($20/month).
Cursor: AI-enhanced editor with rule-based support, built on Visual Studio Code (free tier; paid plans).
GitHub Copilot: Inline/chat-based code suggestions ($10/month individual plan).
Bolt.new: Browser-based prototyping with Netlify integration (free with limits).
Rosebud AI: Creative apps and games, with AI image generation (free tier; $10/month+).
Databutton: Business tools with database support ($20/month+).

General-purpose LLMs like Claude and ChatGPT also power vibe coding, especially with custom rules.

Real-World Examples

Note-Taking App: Using Cursor, a user built an app with save functionality in 45 minutes (Python backend, SQL storage, documented in /docs/notes.md).
Content Genie: A marketer created a LinkedIn post generator from YouTube links in 30 minutes via Cursor.
JustBuildThings.com: Non-developer Rasit launched 100 web utilities with Cursor, ranking on Product Hunt in 2025.
Multiplayer Flight Simulator: Indie developer Pieter Levels prototyped a simulator in one day using AI prompts.

Advanced Techniques

For complex projects:

Coding Quality: Enforce SOLID principles, ban mock data in production, and use emojis (e.g. 🐙) to verify context retention.
Workflow Mastery: Add tests for edge cases, summarize context at 100k tokens, and adjust checkpoint frequency.
Communication Precision: Classify changes (Small <50 lines, Large = architecture shift) and prioritize urgency cues (e.g. “This is critical!”).

Impact and Criticism

Vibe coding has democratized software creation, fueling rapid innovation. Critics, including seasoned engineers, highlight:

Technical Debt: Unreviewed AI code may become unmaintainable.
Security Oversights: Novices may deploy insecure apps without rule-based safeguards.
Skill Erosion: Overreliance might hinder learning core concepts.

Supporters argue it boosts productivity and empowers amateurs, with flaws offset by oversight and education. As of March 2025, forums like X and Reddit buzz with success stories and refinements.

Future Outlook

Vibe coding may evolve with:

Smarter AI: Enhanced models will produce secure, efficient code.
Voice Integration: Speech-driven prompts (e.g., “Build a quiz app”) could dominate.
Enterprise Use: Businesses may adopt it for internal tools with stronger security.
Education Shift: Curricula might prioritize problem-solving over syntax.

While unlikely to replace traditional coding for critical systems, vibe coding is set to lead prototyping and small-scale development.

References

Karpathy, Andrej. "Personal Tweet on Vibe Coding," February 3, 2025. https://x.com/karpathy/status/1886192184808149383
Vibe Coding Manual March 2025 https://www.reddit.com/r/ChatGPTCoding/comments/1j5l4xw/vibe_coding_manual

Certain elements of this article are incomplete. You can help the AI Wiki by expanding it.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{stub}}
 {{see also|Artificial intelligence terms}}
 ==Introduction==
-[[Vibe coding]] is an [[AI]]-driven [[software development]] approach that emerged in early 2025, enabling users to create functional applications by describing their goals in natural language rather than writing code manually. Leveraging [[large language models]] (LLMs) and [[tools|AI-powered tools]], vibe coding allows both non-programmers and experienced developers to rapidly prototype and deploy software through an iterative, conversational process. Coined by [[AI researcher]] [[Andrej Karpathy]], the term reflects a shift toward a more intuitive, creative style of programming that blends the flexibility of traditional coding with the ease of [[no-code platforms]].
+[[Vibe coding]] is an [[AI]]-driven [[software development]] approach that emerged in early 2025, enabling users to create functional applications by describing their goals in natural language rather than writing code manually. Leveraging [[large language models]] (LLMs) and [[tools|AI-powered tools]], vibe coding allows both non-programmers and experienced developers to rapidly prototype and deploy software through an iterative, conversational process. Coined by [[AI researcher]] [[Andrej Karpathy]], the term reflects a shift toward an intuitive, creative style of programming that blends the flexibility of traditional coding with the accessibility of [[no-code platforms]].
 ==Origins and Terminology==
-[[File:vibe_coding_andrej_karpathy_tweet1.png|350px|right|thumb|https://x.com/karpathy/status/1886192184808149383]]
+<nomobile>[[File:vibe_coding_andrej_karpathy_tweet1.png|350px|right|thumb|https://x.com/karpathy/status/1886192184808149383]]</nomobile><mobileonly>[[File:vibe_coding_andrej_karpathy_tweet1.png|350px|center|thumb|https://x.com/karpathy/status/1886192184808149383]]</mobileonly>
+The term "vibe coding" was first coined by Andrej Karpathy in a tweet on February 3, 2025, where he described using AI tools like [[Cursor Composer]] to build software by casually instructing the AI, e.g. "halve the sidebar padding", without directly editing code. Karpathy noted how he accepted AI suggestions, ignored diffs, and fed errors back to the assistant, resulting in a codebase that grew “beyond his usual comprehension.” This playful remark sparked interest in AI-assisted development.
-The term "vibe coding" originated from a tweet by Andrej Karpathy in February 2025, where he described using AI tools like [[Cursor Composer]] to build software by casually instructing the AI. e.g. "halve the sidebar padding" without directly editing code himself. Karpathy humorously dubbed this process "vibe coding", noting how he accepted AI suggestions, ignored diffs, and fed errors back to the assistant, resulting in a codebase that grew “beyond his usual comprehension.” Though initially a playful remark, the phrase resonated with a growing community experimenting with AI-assisted development.
+A structured framework built on three pillars: specification (defining goals), rules (setting constraints), and oversight (steering the process). Community contributions from platforms like Reddit and YouTube further refined vibe coding into a collaborative, repeatable methodology. It builds on the lineage of [[no-code]] and [[low-code platforms]], distinguishing itself with natural language input and a modular rule-based system, powered by LLMs like [[ChatGPT]], [[Claude]], and [[GitHub Copilot]].
-Vibe coding builds on the lineage of [[no-code]] and [[low-code platforms]], which abstracted programming into visual interfaces. However, it distinguishes itself by using natural language as the primary input, powered by advances in LLMs like those behind [[ChatGPT]], [[Claude]], and [[GitHub Copilot]]. These tools had become adept at generating boilerplate code and handling repetitive tasks, inspiring a cultural shift toward faster, less rigid development practices.
 ==Core Principles==
 Vibe coding is defined by the following principles:
-* '''Natural Language Input:''' Users describe their project goals in plain English (e.g. "Build a website that tracks daily deals") rather than writing syntactically precise code.
+* '''Natural Language Input:''' Users articulate project goals in plain English (e.g. "Build a note-taking app with save functionality") rather than writing code.
-* '''Iterative Refinement:''' Development unfolds through a dialogue with AI, where users review outputs and request adjustments (e.g. "Add a login page" or "Fix the layout").
+* '''Iterative Refinement:''' Development occurs through dialogue with AI, with users reviewing outputs and refining via prompts (e.g. "Add tests" or "Simplify the layout").
-* '''Minimal Manual Coding:''' The AI generates most or all of the code, reducing the need for hands-on editing—some users never touch the source files directly.
+* '''Minimal Manual Coding:''' AI generates most or all code, often requiring no direct source edits—some users rely entirely on prompts.
-* '''Rapid Prototyping:''' Projects can be built and tested within hours, encouraging experimentation and quick iteration.
+* '''Rapid Prototyping:''' Projects materialize in minutes to hours, fostering experimentation and quick validation.
-* '''Accessibility:''' Non-technical users can participate, as the approach requires only the ability to articulate ideas clearly, not programming expertise.
+* '''Accessibility:''' Non-technical users can participate by clearly expressing ideas, no coding expertise needed.
+* '''Rule-Based Control:''' Users set explicit constraints (e.g. "Use Python, keep it simple") to guide AI behavior, ensuring consistency and clarity.
 ==Workflow==
 The vibe coding process typically follows these steps:
-# '''Initial Prompt:''' The user provides a high-level description (e.g. "Create a web app to calculate podcast script recording time").
+# '''Initial Specification:''' The user provides a high-level goal (e.g. "Create a Twitter clone with login").
-# '''Code Generation:''' The AI produces functional code, often including front-end and back-end components, based on its training and context.
+# '''Rule Definition:''' Users establish preferences (e.g. "Use Python, prioritize simplicity") via a four-file framework (see below).
-# '''Review and Testing:''' The user runs the code, evaluates its performance, and identifies areas for improvement.
+# '''Code Generation:''' AI produces functional code—front-end, back-end, or both—based on prompts and rules.
-# '''Refinement:''' Through additional prompts (e.g. "Add error handling" or "Make it mobile-friendly"), the AI updates the code iteratively.
+# '''Review and Oversight:''' The user tests the output, monitors logs (e.g. progress.md), and requests refinements (e.g. "Add error handling").
-# '''Deployment:''' Many platforms offer one-click publishing, enabling instant sharing or hosting.
+# '''Iterative Execution:''' AI breaks tasks into stages, pausing for approval (e.g. "Backend done—proceed to frontend?").
+# '''Deployment:''' Platforms often enable one-click publishing for instant sharing or hosting.
+A key innovation is the '''four-file framework''' (stored in a `.cursor/rules` directory or equivalent):
+* '''Coding Preferences:''' Ensures clean code (e.g. "Keep files under 300 lines, document in /docs").
+* '''Technical Stack:''' Locks tools (e.g. "Backend in Python, SQL storage").
+* '''Workflow Preferences:''' Governs process (e.g. "Pause after major steps, log in progress.md").
+* '''Communication Preferences:''' Sets interaction style (e.g. "Summarize changes as Small, Medium, or Large").
-This workflow emphasizes speed and adaptability, often yielding usable prototypes in minutes to hours.
+This structure tames AI chaos, enhances transparency, and scales from simple scripts to complex apps.
 ==Comparison with Other Development Approaches==
@@ Line 35: / Line 43: @@
 | '''Skill Required''' || Strong programming knowledge || Basic technical familiarity || Ability to describe ideas
 |-
-| '''Process''' || Manual coding and debugging || Drag-and-drop modules || Conversational AI prompts
+| '''Process''' || Manual coding and debugging || Drag-and-drop modules || Conversational AI prompts + rules
 |-
-| '''Flexibility''' || High, fully customizable || Limited by platform || High, with AI limits
+| '''Flexibility''' || High, fully customizable || Limited by platform || High, within AI and rule constraints
 |-
 | '''Time to Build''' || Days to months || Hours to days || Minutes to hours
 |-
-| '''Main Benefits''' || Fine control, robust output || Ease of use, speed || Fast iteration, low barrier
+| '''Main Benefits''' || Fine control, robust output || Ease of use, speed || Fast iteration, low barrier, guided AI
 |-
-| '''Key Drawback''' || Steep learning curve || Restricted customization || Potential quality issues
+| '''Key Drawback''' || Steep learning curve || Restricted customization || Potential quality/consistency issues
 |}
-Vibe coding bridges traditional coding's flexibility and low-code's accessibility, powered by AI's interpretive capabilities.
+Vibe coding merges traditional coding’s flexibility with low-code’s accessibility, enhanced by AI and user-defined rules.
 ==Benefits==
-* '''Empowerment:''' Non-developers, such as marketers or educators, can build custom tools without coding skills.
+* '''Empowerment:''' Non-developers (e.g., marketers, educators) build custom tools without coding skills.
-* '''Speed:''' Prototypes emerge in hours, accelerating idea validation for businesses and creators.
+* '''Speed:''' Prototypes emerge in hours, accelerating idea validation.
-* '''Creativity:''' By automating tedious tasks, users focus on design and functionality rather than syntax.
+* '''Creativity:''' Automation of tedious tasks shifts focus to design and functionality.
-* '''Cost Savings:''' Reduced reliance on professional developers lowers the financial barrier for small projects.
+* '''Control:''' Rules ensure AI aligns with user intent, reducing scope creep.
+* '''Maintainability:''' Documentation and logs (e.g. /docs, progress.md) support long-term viability.
 ==Limitations==
-* '''Code Quality:''' [[AI-generated code]] may lack optimization or scalability, requiring expert review for complex applications.
+* '''Code Quality:''' [[AI-generated code]] may lack optimization or scalability without expert review.
-* '''Security Risks:''' Novices might overlook vulnerabilities, especially in data-sensitive apps, if security isn’t explicitly requested.
+* '''Security Risks:''' Novices might overlook vulnerabilities if not explicitly addressed in rules.
-* '''Understanding Gaps:''' Users who don’t inspect the code may struggle to debug or maintain it long-term.
+* '''Context Limits:''' LLMs (e.g. Claude’s 200k token cap) may lose coherence in large projects unless managed (e.g. via context-summary.md).
-* '''Complexity Limits:''' Highly specialized or intricate logic can challenge AI, necessitating traditional coding.
+* '''Complexity Challenges:''' Intricate logic or edge cases may require traditional coding.
+* '''Oversight Dependency:''' Success hinges on clear specifications and active user guidance.
 ==Tools and Platforms==
-Several platforms support vibe coding as of 2025:
+As of 2025, vibe coding is supported by:
-* '''[[Replit Agent]]:''' A web-based IDE with AI assistance for code generation and deployment (from $20/month).
+* '''[[Replit Agent]]:''' Web-based IDE with AI code generation and deployment ($20/month).
-* '''[[Cursor]]:''' An AI-enhanced editor built on [[Visual Studio Code]], ideal for iterative refinements (free tier; paid plans available).
+* '''[[Cursor]]:''' AI-enhanced editor with rule-based support, built on [[Visual Studio Code]] (free tier; paid plans).
-* '''[[GitHub Copilot]]:''' Suggests code inline or via chat, popular among developers ($10/month individual plan).
+* '''[[GitHub Copilot]]:''' Inline/chat-based code suggestions ($10/month individual plan).
-* '''[[Bolt.new]]:''' Browser-based prototyping with [[Netlify]] integration (free with usage limits).
+* '''[[Bolt.new]]:''' Browser-based prototyping with [[Netlify]] integration (free with limits).
-* '''[[Rosebud AI]]:''' Focuses on creative apps and games, with AI image generation (free tier; $10/month+).
+* '''[[Rosebud AI]]:''' Creative apps and games, with AI image generation (free tier; $10/month+).
-* '''[[Databutton]]:''' Business-oriented, with database support and AI task management ($20/month+).
+* '''[[Databutton]]:''' Business tools with database support ($20/month+).
-General-purpose LLMs like [[ChatGPT]] and [[Claude]] also remain popular for generating code snippets outside dedicated environments.
+General-purpose LLMs like [[Claude]] and [[ChatGPT]] also power vibe coding, especially with custom rules.
 ==Real-World Examples==
-* '''Podcast Script Timer:''' A podcaster used Replit Agent to build a tool estimating script recording time, adding features like PDF export in under an hour.
+* '''Note-Taking App:''' Using Cursor, a user built an app with save functionality in 45 minutes (Python backend, SQL storage, documented in /docs/notes.md).
-* '''Content Genie:''' A marketer created an app in 30 minutes via Cursor to draft [[LinkedIn]] posts from [[YouTube]] links, showcasing vibe coding’s accessibility.
+* '''Content Genie:''' A marketer created a [[LinkedIn]] post generator from [[YouTube]] links in 30 minutes via Cursor.
-* '''JustBuildThings.com:''' Rasit, a non-developer, built 100 web utilities with Cursor, launching a site that ranked on [[Product Hunt]] in early 2025.
+* '''JustBuildThings.com:''' Non-developer Rasit launched 100 web utilities with Cursor, ranking on [[Product Hunt]] in 2025.
-* '''Multiplayer Flight Simulator:''' Indie developer [[Pieter Levels]] crafted a basic simulator in one day using AI prompts, proving vibe coding’s prototyping power.
+* '''Multiplayer Flight Simulator:''' Indie developer [[Pieter Levels]] prototyped a simulator in one day using AI prompts.
+==Advanced Techniques==
+For complex projects:
+* '''Coding Quality:''' Enforce SOLID principles, ban mock data in production, and use emojis (e.g. 🐙) to verify context retention.
+* '''Workflow Mastery:''' Add tests for edge cases, summarize context at 100k tokens, and adjust checkpoint frequency.
+* '''Communication Precision:''' Classify changes (Small <50 lines, Large = architecture shift) and prioritize urgency cues (e.g. “This is critical!”).
 ==Impact and Criticism==
-Vibe coding has democratized software creation, enabling rapid innovation and reducing barriers for non-technical creators. However, critics—particularly seasoned engineers—warn of:
+Vibe coding has democratized software creation, fueling rapid innovation. Critics, including seasoned engineers, highlight:
-* '''Technical Debt:''' Unreviewed AI code can become unmaintainable over time.
+* '''Technical Debt:''' Unreviewed AI code may become unmaintainable.
-* '''Security Oversights:''' Novices may deploy insecure apps without realizing it.
+* '''Security Oversights:''' Novices may deploy insecure apps without rule-based safeguards.
-* '''Skill Erosion:''' Overreliance on AI might hinder learning core programming concepts.
+* '''Skill Erosion:''' Overreliance might hinder learning core concepts.
-Supporters counter that vibe coding enhances productivity for professionals and empowers amateurs, with its flaws mitigated by oversight and education. As of March 2025, the community remains cautiously optimistic, with forums like [[X]] buzzing with both success stories and cautionary tales.
+Supporters argue it boosts productivity and empowers amateurs, with flaws offset by oversight and education. As of March 2025, forums like [[X]] and Reddit buzz with success stories and refinements.
 ==Future Outlook==
-In the futurr, vibe coding is expected to evolve with:
+Vibe coding may evolve with:
-* '''Smarter AI:''' Models will generate more secure, efficient code, reducing quality concerns.
+* '''Smarter AI:''' Enhanced models will produce secure, efficient code.
-* '''Voice Integration:''' Speech-driven coding (e.g., “Build a quiz app”) may become standard.
+* '''Voice Integration:''' Speech-driven prompts (e.g., “Build a quiz app”) could dominate.
-* '''Enterprise Adoption:''' Businesses could use vibe coding for internal tools, pending improved security features.
+* '''Enterprise Use:''' Businesses may adopt it for internal tools with stronger security.
-* '''Education Shift:''' Coding curricula might incorporate vibe coding to teach problem-solving over syntax.
+* '''Education Shift:''' Curricula might prioritize problem-solving over syntax.
-While unlikely to replace traditional development for critical systems, vibe coding is poised to dominate prototyping and small-scale app creation.
+While unlikely to replace traditional coding for critical systems, vibe coding is set to lead prototyping and small-scale development.
 === See Also ===
@@ Line 101: / Line 117: @@
 ==References==
-# Karpathy, Andrej. "Personal Tweet on Vibe Coding," February 2025.
+# Karpathy, Andrej. "Personal Tweet on Vibe Coding," February 3, 2025. https://x.com/karpathy/status/1886192184808149383
+# Vibe Coding Manual March 2025 https://www.reddit.com/r/ChatGPTCoding/comments/1j5l4xw/vibe_coding_manual
+{{stub}}
 [[Category:Terms]] [[Category:Artificial intelligence terms]]