AI Development · Definition
What vibe coding is, how it compares with no-code and traditional coding, its risks and how to use it responsibly.
Last updated: October 2026. Written by Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect, Simple Automation Solutions.
Quick answer
Vibe coding is creating software by describing what you want in plain language to an AI tool that generates the code, then adjusting the result through conversation, often without reading the code. The term was popularised in early 2025 by Andrej Karpathy. It is excellent for prototypes and experiments but risky for production apps, which need review for security, data access, structure and error handling.
Key takeaways
- Vibe coding = describe it, AI generates code, you iterate.
- It differs from no-code, which assembles apps visually on a platform.
- Great for prototypes; risky for client data and payments without review.
- Main risks: security gaps, hidden bugs, unmaintainable code, poor data design.
- Use a good prototype as a specification for a properly built version.
In this guide
What is vibe coding?
Vibe coding is a way of creating software by describing what you want in plain language to an AI tool, which generates the code, and then accepting, running and adjusting the result with little or no careful reading of the code itself. The term was popularised in early 2025 by AI researcher Andrej Karpathy to describe a relaxed, conversation-driven style of programming.
How does vibe coding work?
- You describe the app or feature you want in natural language.
- An AI tool generates code and often a working preview.
- You try it, notice what is wrong or missing and describe changes.
- The AI revises the code, and you repeat until it looks right.
- You deploy it, often with the tool’s built-in hosting.
Vibe coding vs no-code vs traditional coding
| Vibe coding | No-code | Traditional coding | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How you build | Describe it, AI writes code | Assemble visually on a platform | Write code by hand, often with AI assistance |
| Do you read the code? | Often not | No code to read | Yes |
| Speed to prototype | Very fast | Fast | Slower |
| Output | Generated code you may or may not understand | A hosted app inside the platform | Code you own and understand |
| Main risk | Hidden bugs and security gaps | Platform limits and planning gaps | Cost and time |
| Best for | Prototypes and experiments | MVPs, portals and business apps | Specialised or large-scale products |
What is vibe coding good for?
- Rapid prototypes and demos.
- Testing an idea before investing.
- Personal tools and small experiments.
- Getting a concrete starting point to show developers.
- Learning what is possible.
What are the risks?
- Security gaps. Generated apps may lack proper access control, so one user can see another’s data, or expose secret keys.
- Hidden bugs. Code that works in a demo may fail on unusual input or at scale.
- Unmaintainable code. If nobody understands it, every change gets riskier.
- Poor data structure. Foundations that are wrong become costly to fix.
- Missing production features. Backups, logging, error handling and test environments are often absent.
- False confidence. A polished screen can hide an unsound foundation.
When is vibe coding fine, and when is it not?
| Fine for | Be careful with |
|---|---|
| Prototypes shown to a few people | Anything handling client or personal data |
| Internal experiments with no sensitive data | Payments and financial information |
| Learning and exploration | Regulated or safety-related products |
| Producing a spec for a developer | Products customers will rely on |
How do you use vibe coding responsibly?
- Treat the result as a prototype until reviewed.
- Test with two accounts to check that users cannot see each other’s data. See our security guide.
- Keep secret keys on the server side.
- Have an experienced person review structure, security and error handling before real customers arrive.
- Use the prototype as input to a written plan. See our Discovery Sprint.
- Keep ownership of accounts and code, and document what was built.
What should you do with a vibe-coded prototype?
Three options: keep and harden it if it is simple and low-risk, rebuild it properly on a platform with a structured database, privacy rules and managed hosting, or use it as a specification for a clean build. Many founders choose the third, because the prototype shows exactly what they want. At Simple Automation Solutions, builds start at $3,500, with the final quote based on scope. See what to cut before you build and our comparison of Bubble.io and custom code.
Frequently asked questions
What is vibe coding in simple terms?
Building software by describing what you want to an AI tool, which writes the code, and adjusting the result through conversation, often without reading the code.
Who coined the term vibe coding?
AI researcher Andrej Karpathy popularised the term in early 2025.
Is vibe coding safe for production apps?
Not by default. Generated apps need review for security, data access, error handling and structure before real customers and data arrive.
Is vibe coding the same as no-code?
No. Vibe coding generates code from descriptions. No-code assembles apps visually on a platform without exposing code.
Can I use a vibe-coded app as a starting point for a developer?
Yes. A working prototype is a useful specification, even if the code itself is rebuilt.
Built something with AI and unsure if it is ready?
Email us a link and a short description. We will tell you honestly whether to harden it, rebuild it or leave it alone.
Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect, Simple Automation Solutions
About Simple Automation Solutions (SA Solutions)
Simple Automation Solutions is a Bubble.io development studio led by Athar Ahmad, a Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect. It builds web and mobile apps, client portals and SaaS products for founder-led businesses such as law firms, accounting firms, boutique agencies and consultants. Services include a free 30-minute Idea Audit, a $345 Discovery Sprint (a Product Requirements Document delivered within 24 hours, credited toward the build) and builds starting at $3,500. Website: sasolutionspk.com.
