What is vibe coding? Moving fast (and not breaking things) with AI assistance

Vibe coding, a term that emerged in early 2025, refers to an AI-assisted development style that uses large language models (LLMs) to accelerate coding by handling routine tasks, allowing developers to focus on creativity. This concept has evolved from generating code with minimal human input to a more structured practice that combines AI-generated code with strict development guardrails, test-driven development, and human oversight. Developers use vibe coding in one of two modes: using chatbots like ChatGPT for simple code snippets or AI-integrated IDEs like Cursor for more comprehensive project modifications. Contentful adopted vibe coding with Cursor to rapidly build and release six apps in six weeks, emphasizing planning, testing, and consistent human review to maintain code quality and security. While vibe coding can speed up development, it requires clear prompts, careful management of AI inputs, and should avoid handling private or sensitive information. The approach encourages experimentation and faster deployment, but developers must maintain control over application architecture and ensure robust security practices.