Welcome to Vibe Coding

Vibe coding is a revolutionary approach to software creation where you describe what you want in plain language, and AI generates the code for you. This guide is for complete beginners—no coding experience required. By the end, you'll know how to turn your ideas into real applications using only your words and the power of AI.

What you'll learn: The principles, tools, and step-by-step process of vibe coding, plus real project examples and tips for success.

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What is Vibe Coding?

Vibe coding (or vibecoding) is an approach to producing software by relying on artificial intelligence (AI), where a person describes what they want in plain language as a prompt to an AI system, and the AI generates the actual code. This shifts the programmer's role from manually writing code to guiding, testing, and refining AI-generated code.

"Vibe coding is a fresh take in coding where users express their intention using plain speech and the AI transforms that thinking into executable code. The goal of vibe coding is to create an AI powered development environment where AI agents serve as coding assistants making suggestions in real time, automating tedious processes and even producing standard codebase structures."

— IBM

  • Natural Language Interaction: Describe what you want in plain English, not code.
  • AI-Generated Code: AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, or Replit generate the code.
  • Minimal Technical Knowledge Required: Accessible to everyone.
  • "Code First, Refine Later": Focus on building, then refine as needed.
  • Human-AI Collaboration: You guide and test, AI implements.
  • Acceptance Without Full Understanding: Focus on results, not code details.

Core Principles & Mindset

  • Focus on Ideas, Not Code: Clearly express what you want to create. Let AI handle the technical details.
  • Start Simple and Iterate: Begin with basic projects and add complexity gradually.
  • Use Natural Language Effectively: Be specific, avoid jargon, and break down complex ideas.
  • Embrace "Code First, Refine Later": Build first, optimize later.
  • Break Tasks into Small Steps: Ask AI to implement the simplest next step you can test.
  • Test Frequently: Check your app after each change, even if you don't understand the code.
  • Don't Hesitate to Start Over: If things get too complicated, start fresh.
  • Use Visual References: Screenshots or sketches help AI understand your vision.
  • Combine AI Tools: Use different tools for different tasks.

"To truly vibe-code, you have to be prepared to let the AI fully take control and refrain from checking and directly tweaking the code it generates as you go along—surrendering to the vibes."

— MIT Technology Review

Getting Started: Tools & Setup

You don't need to install anything complicated. Here are the most beginner-friendly AI coding tools:

Windsurf

An AI-powered code editor designed to act as a co-pilot that helps you write and refine code through prompts.

Cursor

A popular AI-assisted code editor with features like checkpoints to revert to previous versions.

Replit

A web-based coding platform with AI assistance, accessible to beginners.

GitHub Copilot

Microsoft's AI coding assistant that integrates with various code editors.

Claude & ChatGPT

AI chatbots that can generate code, answer questions, and help you build projects from scratch.

Lovable

A tool that builds entire frontends in a single prompt, including databases and authentication.

The Vibe Coding Workflow

  1. Start with a clear vision: Know what you want to build and why.
  2. Use specific prompts: The more detailed your instructions, the better the results.
  3. Embrace iteration: Expect to refine your project through multiple rounds.
  4. Learn from errors: Use mistakes as learning opportunities.
  5. Keep it simple: Start with the minimal version and add complexity gradually.
  6. Test frequently: Check your application after each change.
  7. Don't hesitate to start over: Sometimes starting fresh is the best way forward.
  8. Combine AI tools: Use the strengths of different tools for different tasks.

For the full vibe coding experience, consider using voice dictation software and just talk to AI!

Project Examples: From Beginner to Intermediate

Plywood Cutting Visualizer

Tool used: Claude (AI chatbot)

Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 30-60 minutes

A utility that helps calculate how to cut pieces from a sheet of plywood efficiently. Users input dimensions and get an optimal cutting pattern with minimal waste.

  • Can be built entirely within an AI chatbot interface
  • Solves a practical, real-world problem
  • No installation required

How to approach: Describe your idea to Claude, specify inputs/outputs, and ask for an interactive interface. Test and refine as needed.

Birthday Countdown Page

Tool used: Any AI coding assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Replit)

Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 30-60 minutes

A web page that counts down to a specific date, displaying a dynamic timer. Great for learning web basics and dynamic content.

  • Simple, focused functionality
  • Immediate visual feedback
  • Easy to personalize

How to approach: Ask the AI to create a countdown page, specify design preferences, and test the result.

Resume Scoring Agent

Tool used: Zapier Agents

Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 30-60 minutes

An AI-powered tool that scores resumes against job descriptions, providing a match score and suggestions for improvement.

  • Template-based, minimal customization
  • Practical for job seekers
  • Introduces AI agents and document analysis

How to approach: Use Zapier's template, customize instructions, and test with sample resumes.

Interactive Map Visualization

Tool used: Replit Agent and Assistant

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 1-2 hours

An interactive map that visualizes data about parks and public spaces in a city. Teaches data visualization and working with external APIs.

  • Visual end product
  • Introduces external data sources
  • Demonstrates full workflow from idea to deployment

How to approach: Prompt the AI to create a maps app, review the plan, and iterate with the assistant for refinements.

Personal Portfolio Website

Tool used: Lovable

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 2-3 hours

A personal portfolio site with sections for Home, About, Projects, and Contact. Can include an AI-powered chatbot.

  • Useful for professional networking
  • Introduces web design and user experience
  • Can be improved and expanded over time

How to approach: Describe your desired sections, provide your info, and request a chatbot feature.

SEO Calculator

Tool used: Cursor

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 2-3 hours

A web-based calculator that estimates the potential traffic and value of ranking for specific keywords.

  • Solves a specific problem for marketers
  • Introduces user input processing and calculations
  • Expandable with more features

How to approach: Describe the calculator's purpose, specify inputs/outputs, and test/refine as needed.

Voice Memo Time Capsule

Tool used: Cursor

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced | Time: 3-4 hours

An app that lets users record voice memos and schedule them to be sent to their future selves or others at a specified date.

  • Emotionally engaging experience
  • Introduces media handling and scheduling
  • Combines multiple technologies

How to approach: Describe the app's purpose, specify features, and test the recording/scheduling functionality.

Troubleshooting & Tips

  • Start with a clear vision and specific prompts
  • Embrace iteration and learn from errors
  • Test frequently and keep things simple
  • Don't hesitate to start over if needed
  • Combine different AI tools for best results
  • Ask for help in the community if you get stuck

If you encounter errors, use them as learning opportunities. Check your browser console for issues, and don't be afraid to ask for help or start fresh.

Beyond the Basics

  • Build more complex applications
  • Connect to databases and APIs
  • Deploy your creations to the web
  • Explore career and business applications

Once you're comfortable, try building more advanced projects, connecting to external data, or deploying your apps online.

Resources & Community

  • Recommended Tools: Windsurf, Cursor, Replit, Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT, Lovable
  • Helpful Tutorials: Check out official docs and YouTube channels for each tool
  • Communities: Join forums, Discord servers, and online groups for vibe coders
  • Glossary: Learn the key terms and concepts of vibe coding

Stay connected with the community to keep learning and growing as a vibe coder!