What is vibe coding (Gemini)
"Vibe coding" is a relatively new term, coined by Andrej Karpathy (a co-founder of OpenAI) in February 2025, that describes an approach to software development heavily reliant on Large Language Models (LLMs).
Prompt-driven: Instead of writing code line by line, the user describes the desired functionality or problem in natural language as a prompt to an LLM.
AI-generated code: The LLM then generates the actual code based on that description.
Focus on the "Vibe" (Outcome) over the Code: The core idea is to "give in to the vibes, embrace exponentials, and forget that the code even exists," as Karpathy put it. This means the user focuses on the outcome or the what rather than getting bogged down in the how of the code itself.
Reduced need for traditional coding knowledge: Vibe coding aims to lower the barrier to entry for software creation, allowing even amateur programmers or non-technical individuals to build functional applications simply by having an idea and interacting with the AI.
Iterative and conversational: The process often involves a back-and-forth conversation with the AI, where the user refines their prompts, describes errors, and asks the AI to make corrections or additions until the desired result is achieved.
Prototypes and quick development: It's particularly useful for rapid prototyping, creating "throwaway" projects, or quickly generating boilerplate code.
Key implications:
Shift in programmer's role: The role of the programmer shifts from manual coding to guiding, testing, and refining AI-generated code.
Understanding and accountability concerns: A significant concern is that developers might use AI-generated code without fully understanding its functionality, potentially leading to undetected bugs, security vulnerabilities, or difficulties in debugging and maintenance.
Code quality and complexity: While effective for simpler tasks, vibe coding can become challenging for novel, technically complex, or large-scale applications where deep understanding and precise control over the code are crucial.
Not a replacement for deep understanding: Many experts emphasize that while vibe coding can accelerate development, it doesn't eliminate the need for human review, testing, and a fundamental understanding of software engineering principles, especially in professional or critical contexts.