AI is rewriting the rules of software development.

Today, you can literally talk your way into building an app.

Vibe Coding, a buzzy term coined by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy, captures the new, intuitive style of programming emerging from powerful AI tools.

Let’s break down what it means—and why your business should take note.

The Evolution of Coding

Until recently, AI's role in development was supportive.

But with tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and Claude, AI can now generate entire software systems from a simple text prompt.

This shift has led to what many are calling prompt-driven programming—you provide the vision, AI does the heavy lifting.

Vibe Coding pushes this concept even further.

Instead of focusing on how the code works, developers focus on what they want the end product to do.

It's like directing a movie rather than writing the script—describe the vibe, and let the AI handle the details.

What makes vibe coding different?

In vibe coding, your main tool is your vision. You don’t need to understand the mechanics behind every line of code. You interact with AI using plain English, test what it gives you, and iterate until it feels right.

Karpathy describes it best: “You see stuff, say stuff, run stuff, and copy-paste stuff, and it mostly works.”

Here’s how that plays out:

• You describe a feature. Want a calculator that tracks carbon emissions? Say so.

• AI builds it. It pulls together components, writes the logic, and spits out working code.

• You test and tweak. If something’s off, you prompt the AI again to refine it.

The code works, but you may never read or even fully understand it.

You’re vibing, not debugging.

Business Opportunities

For businesses, especially startups and SMEs, vibe coding represents a leap in agility.

Here’s why you might consider it:

1. Rapid Prototyping

You can move from idea to prototype in hours.

2. Lower Technical Barriers

Not a coder? No problem. With vibe coding, even non-technical founders can build MVPs (minimum viable products), apps, or internal tools without writing a single line of traditional code.

3. Creative Empowerment

It’s never been easier to test bold ideas. Want a personalizsd quiz for your eCommerce store? A dashboard to track remote team productivity? Just describe it to an AI.

4. Cost-Effective Experimentation

Hiring developers is expensive. AI lets you try out different product features, design changes, or user experiences without committing big resources up front.

Real-World Example: From Data to Simulation

One AI researcher used vibe coding to turn raw chemical process data into a functional Python simulator. By iterating with the AI, they built and refined the model through over a dozen conversational tweaks.

The result? A robust simulation, without manual coding.

Are there any risks?

It’s not all good vibes. Calm your horses.

1. Code Transparency & Quality

Vibe coding often results in complex systems that no human on your team has reviewed. If something goes wrong, who will fix it? If no one understands the codebase, that’s a liability.

2. Security Flaws

Many vibe-coded apps have been found to include basic security issues—like exposed API keys or weak authentication. This can be catastrophic if sensitive data or customer information is involved.

3. Scalability Limits

For small projects, vibe coding is ideal. But for larger systems requiring scalability, performance, and robustness, manual review and optimisation are still essential.

4. Learning Curve Disruption

If juniors never learn the fundamentals of coding, how do they grow into future software architects? Vibe coding risks creating a generation of developers who can guide AI, but can’t troubleshoot a deep bug.

So… Should you Vibe? 

Here’s how to safely embrace vibe coding:

• Use it for prototypes, internal tools, or side projects—not production systems (yet).

• Always review the final code—either in-house or via a third-party audit.

• Educate your team on prompt design and AI collaboration skills.

• Set clear policies around AI tool usage, especially regarding data privacy and compliance.

Vibe coding is more than a trend—it’s the start of a new era in software development. It offers unmatched speed and creativity, but it also demands thoughtful use.

Whether you’re a founder with no technical background or a seasoned engineer exploring new workflows, the key is to embrace the vibe—strategically.

This Week in AI

• Humanoid Robots ran against thousands of humans in China (🫠)

• OpenAI and SoftBank exploring bringing Stargate global

• New Startup Mechanize’s business goal is “full automation of all work"