Vibe coding
Accepting AI-generated code largely by outcome while spending little or no time reviewing its implementation.
Illustrative conversation
- I kept describing changes until the weekend prototype looked right, but I never read the code.
- That is vibe coding; keep it disposable or add tests, review, and ownership before treating it as production software.
Definition
Vibe coding is an informal term popularized by Andrej Karpathy for creating software through natural-language direction, rapid execution, and feedback while largely ignoring the generated source code. It can be effective for disposable experiments and for people exploring an idea without traditional programming skills. It is distinct from disciplined AI-assisted engineering: unreviewed code should not be assumed maintainable, secure, or suitable for consequential production use merely because the demo works.
Reviewed