How to avoid vibe coding your way into a tsunami of tech debt

AI code assistants have evolved from simple completion tools to autonomous agents capable of editing and running tasks across multiple files, with GitHub Copilot's new Agent Mode being a notable example. Emerging integrated development environments like Cursor and Windsurf also incorporate AI agents for complex coding tasks, yet these advancements have raised concerns regarding security, code quality, and technical debt. Developers have reported issues such as security vulnerabilities, inappropriate code suggestions, and inefficiencies in token consumption. These tools can sometimes introduce insecure code, propagate outdated practices, or make unwarranted changes, leading to increased technical debt and maintenance challenges. While tools like Tabnine emphasize human oversight and privacy, the autonomous nature of other AI agents can lead to overreach, making unintended changes that are hard to reverse. This has prompted a call for more transparency and control, with developers seeking agents that work within their existing frameworks and maintain high standards of code quality.