4/25/2025

Can Vibe Coding Be Considered Legitimate Development?

In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, the introduction of Vibe Coding has stirred up a considerable amount of buzz. Coined by prominent figures like Andrej Karpathy, the term describes a fresh approach to coding that leverages AI tools to produce software. But can we really consider Vibe Coding as a legitimate form of development, or is it simply another passing fad? Let's unpack this topic step-by-step.

What is Vibe Coding?

Vibe Coding, or vibecoding, is a technique that relies heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) to generate code based on natural language descriptions provided by the developer. In essence, it allows you to describe what you want the software to do, and an AI model, generally powered by a Large Language Model (LLM), will create the corresponding code for you. This approach shifts the programmer's traditional role from writing every line manually to interacting with the AI and guiding it, with the hope of achieving a functional end product quickly.

According to entries on platforms like Wikipedia, vibe coding advocates argue that it democratizes coding, allowing even amateur programmers to produce functional software without extensive training.

Vibe Coding vs. Traditional Coding

When we examine the differences between vibe coding and traditional coding, a few key distinctions stand out:

Development Process

Vibe Coding relies on natural language input, where users can communicate their needs through conversational prompts. This significantly lowers the barrier of entry for those who may struggle with the syntax of traditional programming languages.
Traditional Coding, on the other hand, necessitates a deep understanding of programming languages, frameworks, and a significant amount of hand-coded development work.

Ease of Use

Vibe Coding allows for quick modifications and iterations. For instance, a developer could easily tweak a feature just by asking the AI to make a change.
Conversely, in Traditional Coding, even minor adjustments often require a thorough understanding of the code structure, leading to longer debugging and implementation times.

Long-term Maintainability

While Vibe Coding can produce functional prototypes very rapidly, concerns arise around the scalability and maintainability of the code, especially when dealing with complex projects. Many professionals express doubts about the long-term viability of relying on AI without in-depth knowledge of how the code works.
Traditional Coding allows developers to implement coding best practices, ensuring that code remains clean, maintainable, and efficient over time.

The Pros of Vibe Coding

Faster Prototyping

Vibe coding accelerates the development process, enabling startups and solo entrepreneurs to create Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) quickly. In a world where time is money, this is a significant advantage. Developers can validate their ideas faster, reducing the need for upfront investments in software development.

Accessibility

This technique opens the door for individuals who may not have formal coding skills but possess great ideas. For instance, people wanting to build simple web apps can now do so with tools like Cursor or Replit without diving deep into technical jargon. This can foster a more inclusive tech landscape, allowing diverse voices and ideas to emerge.

Fun and Engaging

Many users find vibe coding to be an engaging experience. Developers feel like they can focus more on CREATIVITY rather than being bogged down by syntax errors, making software development feel less like a chore and more like a game. Tools that support this experience provide a low-friction way for people to explore their tech-savvy sides.

Automation

Vibe coding allows for automating mundane tasks. By allowing the AI to handle routine coding duties, developers are free to focus on strategic and creative tasks that require human intuition. This can be a massive productivity booster.

The Cons of Vibe Coding

Despite the many perks of vibe coding, there are significant drawbacks that skeptics are voicing loudly about.

Quality and Reliability

One of the foremost criticisms leveled at vibe coding is regarding the quality of the generated code. Since the AI generates code based on the prompts it receives, there is always the risk that the code produced will not be robust, secure, or efficient. This is particularly true when handling edge cases or complex logic that requires a human touch. Several users have pointed out instances where the AI might generate references to non-existent functions or libraries, leading to potential disasters in production environments.

Dependence on AI

Vibe coding leads to a heightened dependence on AI tools. If a developer does not take the time to understand the code generated, they risk ending up in a situation where their applications lack the necessary support and knowledge to resolve issues. Simon Willison, a prominent AI researcher, notes that vibe coding rests upon accepting the output without fully comprehending what is happening under the hood. This can be a dangerous precedent to set, particularly in professional development contexts.

Scalability

Many developers are wary of using vibe coding for larger-scale projects. As the complexity of an application grows, so do the challenges of maintaining the AI-generated code. In larger systems, tight integration and optimization are often required, tasks where vibe coding may struggle. Concerns about the long-term viability of such code arise, especially when higher levels of maintenance and performance optimization come into play.

Examples of Vibe Coding in Action

Despite its challenges, vibe coding is being showcased in various innovative ways:

Games: Developers have rapidly created prototypes of 3D games using vibe coding techniques. For instance, Peter Yang demonstrated the construction of a simple first-person zombie shooter using Cursor, dramatically showcasing how vibe coding can enable rapid development.
Utilities: In everyday applications, vibe coding has been used for creating small utilities like scripts that automate mundane chores in coding environments, such as file management tasks.

However, as many have pointed out, these examples often come with caveats about scalability and maintainability.

The Future of Vibe Coding

Is vibe coding the future? Opinions are deeply divided. Advocates argue that it represents a natural evolution in programming practices that align with the democratization of technology, this could lead to an influx of innovative applications fueled by the creativity of non-traditional programmers. Critics warn that heavy reliance on AI outputs without a proper understanding of the underlying mechanics will lead to a messy professional landscape filled with Sub-par code.

A Middle Ground?

While some experts suggest that vibe coding will eventually merge into the broader development process, creating a hybrid model where AI assists but developers retain accountability, others wonder whether it will lead to a separation in skills and education requirements in the industry.

Madhukar Kumar captures this sentiment perfectly in his guide on vibe coding, stressing the need for balance between speed and control in software development. Krishan Sahota, CMO at Arsturn, believes that developing AI tools that enhance coder productivity without sacrificing quality will be the key.

Promotion of Arsturn

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Conclusion

Vibe coding is not just a trend; it’s a shift in how we think about software development. While it offers unmatched speed and accessibility, potential pitfalls cannot be ignored. The question remains: Is vibe coding legitimate development? The answer likely lies in how we evolve these practices moving forward, combining the dynamism of vibe coding with the precision and reliability of traditional development practices.

So, whether you’re a seasoned developer or someone looking to dip your toes into coding, keeping an eye on vibe coding and technologies like Arsturn might just open new doors for innovation in your projects!