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Exploring Vibe Coding: Generating Software with AI
Interested in creating software but unsure where to begin? “Vibe coding” has emerged as a popular term online, describing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, to produce computer code with minimal prior experience. This innovative approach to code generation is changing how individuals interact with technology.
Understanding Vibe Coding and its Origins
Defining Vibe Coding
Noah Giansiracusa from Bentley University explains, “Vibe coding essentially means utilizing generative AI to not just aid in coding but to create the entire code for an application.” Users prompt LLM-driven models like ChatGPT, Claude, or Copilot to develop code for an app or service, effectively letting the AI handle the entire coding process.
The Genesis of the Term
The phrase “vibe coding” was coined by Andrej Karpathy, a proficient software engineer formerly leading AI at Tesla and a founding engineer at OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT. In February 2025, he mentioned on X a “new type of coding I call ‘vibe coding’”.
Karpathy characterized it as an approach “where you fully surrender to the vibes, embrace exponentials, and disregard the existence of the code.” This notion resonated widely. Software developer Simon Willison notes, “That captured a moment that resonated with many, as numerous non-programmers began experimenting with LLMs, writing code and achieving impressive outcomes.”
The Purpose of Vibe Coding
Democratizing Software Creation
Software engineering can be a challenging skill to acquire, deterring many individuals. Vibe coding offers a solution, enabling people with ideas for tools, applications, and services to realize them without needing to master intricate programming languages.
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Benefits and Drawbacks
Matt Wood at Northumbria University, UK, states, “On one hand, it’s transformative because many are vibe coding, and through iterative prompting, can achieve remarkable results – surpassing what non-programmers could accomplish independently.” However, he cautions that it can also lead to flawed and incomplete software.
The Debate: Is Vibe Coding Beneficial or Detrimental?
Divergent Perspectives
Opinions on vibe coding are varied. Willison remarks, “You see people on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter making exaggerated claims that programming skills are no longer essential,” cautioning against overstating the capabilities of vibe coding.
Potential and Limitations
Giansiracusa suggests, “My impression is that this is a promising avenue with significant future potential, but currently, it faces limitations and reliability concerns.” The generated code may contain errors, and users lacking coding expertise become overly dependent on the same LLMs that introduced these errors for rectification.
The Impact of Vibe Coding on Software Engineering
Job Market Disruption?
AI’s potential to disrupt employment is a frequent discussion. Despite some social media claims, there’s scant evidence suggesting vibe coding will replace software engineers. Wood affirms, “It’s not going to displace programmers.”
Evolving Role of Software Engineers
Willison clarifies, “I believe a software engineer‘s role is to produce functional software. A key reason why these systems won’t render us obsolete is that a significant portion of our work involves aspects beyond simply writing code.”