Definition
A software development approach in which a developer or creator uses AI-assisted tools — such as large language model coding assistants — to generate, iterate, and refine code primarily through natural language prompts and intuitive experimentation, rather than through traditional structured programming methodology. Vibe coding prioritizes speed, creative exploration, and functional outcomes over strict engineering discipline. The term was coined by AI researcher Andrej Karpathy in 2025 and has become widely used in the creator and indie developer communities to describe AI-assisted rapid prototyping.