Vibe Coding is a term for a modern, AI-assisted approach to software development where the programmer relies heavily on large language models (LLMs) to generate and debug code based on natural language prompts rather than writing every line manually.

The term was popularied by AI researcher Andrej Karpathy, and it represents a shift in the developer's role:

Key Concepts

• Natural Language Interaction: Instead of focusing on precise syntax, the user describes the desired outcome, feature, or fix in plain, conversational language (e.g., "Create a Python function to read a CSV and plot the data").

   

• AI as the Primary Coder: The AI assistant (like GitHub Copilot, Replit Agent, or other coding LLMs) interprets the request and produces the functional code, often an entire block or component.

   

• Focus on the "Vibe" (Outcome): The emphasis shifts from understanding every line of code to validating that the result works as intended.⁵ In its most extreme definition, it involves "forgetting that the code even exists" and trusting the AI's output, only providing feedback when something is wrong.

   

• Rapid Prototyping and Iteration: Vibe coding dramatically accelerates the process of going from an idea to a working prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP), as the back-and-forth between the user and the AI is much faster than manual coding.

   

• Lower Barrier to Entry: Because it reduces the need to master complex syntax and technical details upfront, it makes software creation more accessible to non-technical individuals, designers, or entrepreneurs.

   

Workflow Example

1. Prompt: "Create a responsive event RSVP form with a submit button."

    

2. AI Generates: The AI provides the HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript code.

3. Test: The user runs the code and notices an error.

    

4. Feedback: The user copies the error message and pastes it back to the AI: "I'm getting this error when I click submit.¹¹ Please fix the JavaScript

    

5. AI Refines: The AI analyzes the error and updates the code.

While highly effective for speed and initial concepts, industry professionals debate the use of "pure" vibe coding for complex, large-scale, or mission-critical systems where maintainability, security, and a deep understanding of the underlying code are essential.