Vibe coding: how AI writes code for you — and why it matters

“Vibe coding” describes creating software by describing the desired outcome and asking AI to propose the code. Andrej Karpathy popularised the term in 2025. For a business, the more useful question is how to verify the result and who is responsible for it.

These tools can speed up prototypes and small internal utilities. For applications with sensitive data, payments or multiple users, code that appears to work is only the starting point.

What exactly vibe coding is

Classic programming looks like this: you learn a language's syntax (Python, JavaScript, SQL…), understand data structures, read documentation, search Stack Overflow, debug errors.

Vibe coding looks different: you describe to the AI what you want. The AI writes the code. You check whether it works. If it doesn't, you tell the AI what's broken. You repeat.

AI-enabled development environments can work across project files. Their access and the quality of their changes vary by tool and configuration. Check permissions and service terms before using company data.

Why it exploded right now

Technically it was possible earlier. But it worked badly — models lost context, mixed up variables, generated code that couldn't be plugged into the rest of the project.

In 2025–2026 three things changed:

More context. Some models can process multiple files and larger amounts of information at once. A longer context does not guarantee that they understand the whole project correctly.

Stepwise work. Tools can break down a task, propose a change and respond to test results. Logic errors and missed requirements can still remain.

Integrations. Some tools can run tests or edit several files. Limit terminal and database access according to risk, and review changes.

Examples of suitable tasks

Internal tools without an IT department

An online shop may need a simple internal view of orders and stock. AI can help build a first version. Before connecting real data, check calculations, access rights and how the dashboard updates.

Reporting automation

A script can help turn recurring spreadsheet data into a report. Test it against historical data, including missing values and changes to the input format.

Prototypes before investment

A clickable prototype can explain an idea and collect feedback. Faster prototyping does not mean the software is ready for production or that it will attract investment.

What vibe coding won't replace

It's important to be honest — vibe coding isn't a cure-all and has real limits.

Production security. AI-generated code is functional, but not always secure. Without an experienced developer to review it, vulnerabilities easily creep in — SQL injection, poorly handled inputs, incorrect authentication. For publicly accessible applications, code review is a must.

Scalability. A weekend project for 10 users and an app for 10,000 concurrent users are two different things. Architecture, database indexes, caching — these are areas where AI advises, but experience decides.

Integration with legacy systems. If your company runs on a 20-year-old ERP or custom software with no API, vibe coding won't help. AI can't work with what it can't see.

Maintenance. Written code needs maintenance. Dependency updates, bug fixes, new features. Without a basic understanding of what the code does, a vibe coder can get lost fast.

How to do it practically

If vibe coding interests you and you have no technical background, here's a realistic path:

1. Start with a small problem. Not an app — a script. Something that repeatedly costs you time: renaming files, formatting data, downloading reports. One specific problem, a clear output.

2. Use the right tool. For beginners the most accessible are Claude.ai (via the web interface) or Cursor for working on a project. You don't need to install anything complicated.

3. Learn to write good prompts. That's the real skill of vibe coding — not Python syntax, but the ability to describe precisely what you want. Context, examples, expected output. The more specific, the better the code.

4. Test every step. Don't try to have the AI write a whole app at once. Iterate — one function, test, next function. Problems surface earlier and more easily.

5. Keep a backup. Before every larger change, back up your code (or teach the AI to work with git). Losing work over a bad instruction is needless frustration.

What it means for businesses

Businesses may benefit from faster prototypes and simpler internal tools. The actual return depends on the task, input quality and time spent verifying the output.

It doesn't mean firing the IT department. It means giving every employee the ability to solve a small problem themselves — and freeing IT for the things where experience genuinely decides.

The practical question: do I need help?

It depends on what you want to build. For a simple script or an internal tool for your own use — you'll manage yourself, with a bit of patience and the right tools.

For a system that will process customer payments, store sensitive data or connect to key company systems — I recommend having someone alongside you to review the code and close security gaps. Vibe coding is a powerful tool, but like any tool, the result depends on who's holding it.