If you’ve been anywhere near the tech world in 2025, you’ve probably seen people arguing about “vibe coding.” Some say it’s the future of programming. Others call it lazy, even dangerous.
But what exactly is vibe coding? Is it really the new way to build software, or just another buzzword that will fade away? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about vibe coding, how it works, why developers are trying it, and whether you should give it a shot.
What Is Vibe Coding?
At its core, vibe coding is writing software by giving high-level prompts to AI tools instead of carefully crafting every line of code yourself.
Instead of:
def fibonacci(n):
if n <= 0:
return []
elif n == 1:
return [0]
elif n == 2:
return [0, 1]
seq = [0, 1]
for i in range(2, n):
seq.append(seq[-1] + seq[-2])
return seq
You might just tell the AI:
“Write me a Python function that returns the first N numbers in the Fibonacci sequence.”
And in seconds, it spits out working code.
That’s vibe coding, you don’t obsess over syntax, performance tweaks, or edge cases at first. You set the vibe (the intention), and the AI fills in the details.
Why Is It Called “Vibe” Coding?
The name came from developers joking online: “I’m not coding anymore, I’m just vibe-checking with my AI assistant.”
The idea is:
- You set the direction (the vibe).
- The AI does the heavy lifting.
- You adjust and refine until it feels right.
It’s less about line-by-line problem solving and more about shaping software through conversation.
Why Is Vibe Coding Trending Now?
A few big shifts pushed vibe coding into the spotlight in 2025:
- AI tools got way better.
ChatGPT-5, GitHub Copilot X, Replit Ghostwriter, and other tools now understand context, frameworks, and even entire projects. - Faster workflows.
Teams realized that AI can draft 80% of the boring code (tests, boilerplate, setup) in minutes. - A new generation of devs.
Newcomers to programming are skipping the grind of memorizing syntax and diving straight into building projects with AI help. - The GitHub CEO’s viral statement.
Earlier this year, the GitHub CEO said: “Developers must embrace AI or get out.” That sparked endless debate and put vibe coding in headlines.
How Does Vibe Coding Work in Practice?
Here’s a simple breakdown of how developers “vibe code”:
- Set the Goal
Example: “I want a simple Flask app that lets users upload images and resizes them.” - AI Generates the First Draft
The assistant writes all the setup code, routing, and image processing functions. - Refine Through Prompts
You ask: “Make the upload page look modern with Bootstrap.”
AI updates the code. - Debug Together
If something breaks, you say: “Fix the bug where large images crash the app.” - Ship It
Once it feels right — the vibe is correct — you launch.
In other words, conversation replaces manual coding.
Example: Vibe Coding a To-Do App
Let’s say you want a simple To-Do List web app.
- Prompt 1: “Write a Flask app with a homepage that lets me add and delete tasks.”
- AI Output: Working Flask app with routes and HTML.
- Prompt 2: “Make it look nice with Bootstrap cards and a navbar.”
- AI Output: Styled interface.
- Prompt 3: “Add a feature to save tasks in a SQLite database.”
- AI Output: Database integration.
Result? You’ve built a functional web app in under an hour without touching much raw code.
Tools People Use for Vibe Coding
If you want to try vibe coding, here are the most popular tools right now:
- ChatGPT-5 → Great for multi-step coding conversations.
- GitHub Copilot X → Integrated directly into IDEs like VS Code.
- Replit Ghostwriter → AI coding inside an online IDE.
- Cursor IDE → An AI-first coding editor.
- Claude for Devs → Natural language code explanations and generation.
The Pros of Vibe Coding
- Speed
You can build prototypes insanely fast. What used to take days now takes hours. - Accessibility
Beginners can build apps without mastering every line of syntax. - Focus on Ideas
Developers spend more time on what they want to build, not wrestling with boilerplate. - Learning Aid
For new coders, it’s like having a mentor that explains code while generating it. - Fewer Repetitive Tasks
AI handles boring jobs like writing test cases, documentation, and CRUD functions.
The Cons of Vibe Coding
- Over-Reliance on AI
If you never learn the basics, you risk becoming helpless without the tool. - Quality Concerns
AI sometimes writes inefficient or insecure code. - Debugging Blind Spots
If you don’t understand the code, fixing bugs becomes much harder. - Ethics & Copyright
Some AI tools may generate code snippets that come from open-source projects without proper licensing. - Job Market Debate
Critics argue that vibe coding could replace junior developer roles, reducing entry-level opportunities.
Is Vibe Coding the Future of Programming?
Here’s the honest truth:
- Yes, it’s here to stay. Every major tech company is betting on AI-assisted development.
- But no, it won’t replace developers entirely. Skilled programmers will still be needed to design systems, review AI output, and handle complex logic.
Think of vibe coding like autopilot in planes. Pilots still fly, but autopilot handles routine tasks. AI will do the same for code.
Should You Try Vibe Coding?
If you’re a:
- Beginner: Yes. It helps you build faster and learn through examples.
- Intermediate Dev: Yes, but balance it with learning fundamentals.
- Pro Developer: Absolutely. Use it as a productivity boost, not a crutch.
Conclusion
Vibe coding isn’t about being lazy. It’s about changing the way we build software. Instead of spending hours typing boilerplate, you can spend time creating ideas, solving real problems, and shipping faster.
Will it replace developers? No. But it will replace the old way of coding line by line.
If you’re curious, the best way to understand vibe coding is to just try it. Open your IDE, fire up ChatGPT or Copilot, and start building. You might be surprised how much you can create when you set the vibe and let AI handle the rest.
For more beginner-friendly coding tips, visit Simple Code Tips.
