IDEs for Vibe Coding
Vibe coding is a new approach where AI tools help generate code based on simple descriptions, making it easier for both experienced and novice programmers.
Cursor IDE
AI-Assisted Coding
Cursor IDE is designed for AI-assisted coding, predicting edits and allowing natural language instructions for code changes.
Trusted by Professionals
It's trusted by top engineers and loved by developers for its seamless flow.
Replit
Quick Deployment
Replit lets you create and deploy apps from natural language prompts, handling setup and dependencies automatically.
User-Friendly
It's great for quick prototyping and is accessible to non-technical users.
Windsurf IDE
1
AI Agent-Powered
Windsurf IDE is the first AI agent-powered IDE, offering deep contextual awareness.
2
Natural Language
It provides efficient natural language interactions for coding tasks.
3
Creative Flow
Keeps developers in a creative flow throughout the development process.
JetBrains IDEs (with AI Service)
1
AI Assistance
Popular IDEs like PyCharm and IntelliJ include AI assistance for code completion and generation.
2
Multi-Language Support
Supporting multiple languages, making them versatile for vibe coding.
3
Professional Tools
Trusted professional development environments enhanced with AI capabilities.
Visual Studio Code (with AI Extensions)
1
GitHub Copilot Integration
A widely used IDE with extensions like GitHub Copilot, it offers AI-powered code suggestions.
2
Multi-Language Support
Supports multiple languages, ideal for individual developers.
3
Free Access Options
Provides free access options making it accessible to many developers.
Trae (by ByteDance)
Advanced AI Models
Trae provides free access to advanced AI models like GPT-4o and Claude-3.5-Sonnet.
Modern UI
Features a modern UI designed for efficient coding workflows.
Chinese Developer Support
Supports Chinese developers with localized features.
Builder Mode
Has a Builder mode for generating entire projects from descriptions.
PearAI
Open-Source
An open-source AI code editor integrating multiple AI tools.
1
AI Features
Provides AI chat and debugging features for enhanced development.
2
Community-Driven
Focuses on community-driven development and collaboration.
3
An unexpected detail is that these IDEs not only speed up coding but also lower barriers for non-technical creators, potentially transforming software development by 2025, as seen in recent trends.
The Future of Vibe Coding
Vibe coding represents a paradigm shift in software development, making coding accessible to everyone regardless of technical background. As AI tools continue to evolve, we can expect even more intuitive and powerful coding environments in the near future.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of IDEs for Vibe Coding
1
AI-First Development
Transforming software creation
2
Accessibility
Making coding available to non-technical users
3
Comprehensive Research
Based on recent findings and observations
This section provides a comprehensive exploration of IDEs used for vibe coding, a practice where AI generates code from natural language descriptions, coined by Andrej Karpathy in February 2025. Vibe coding is part of a broader trend in AI-assisted programming, aiming to make software development more accessible, especially for non-technical users. The analysis is based on recent research and observations, reflecting the state as of March 14, 2025.
Understanding Vibe Coding
Definition
Vibe coding involves describing a software idea in plain language, with AI tools generating the code, reducing the need for traditional coding skills.
Origin
It was introduced by Andrej Karpathy, a computer scientist and former OpenAI co-founder, who described it as "fully giving in to the vibes, embracing exponentials, and forgetting that the code even exists" in an X post (Andrej Karpathy's X post).
Technology
This approach relies on large language models (LLMs) like Cursor Composer with Sonnet, enabling conversational coding, often via voice commands, as seen in Karpathy's workflow.
Methodology
Web Resource Analysis
The research involved analyzing web resources to identify IDEs specifically mentioned for vibe coding, focusing on those with AI integration for natural language to code conversion.
Diverse Sources
Key sources included tech blogs, Wikipedia, and product websites, ensuring a broad perspective on tools used by developers and creators.
Identified IDEs and Their Strengths
IDE | Description | Strengths for Vibe Coding | |
Cursor IDE | A standalone AI-powered IDE designed for seamless AI-assisted coding. | Predicts next edits, edits code via natural language, trusted by top engineers, loved by developers. | |
Replit | An online IDE with Replit Agent, enabling app creation and deployment from prompts. | Creates and deploys apps from natural language, handles setup and dependencies, ideal for prototyping. | |
Windsurf IDE | An AI agent-powered IDE by Codeium, focusing on developer flow and collaboration. | First agentic IDE, deep contextual awareness, efficient natural language interactions, keeps flow. | |
JetBrains IDEs | Popular IDEs like PyCharm, IntelliJ, with integrated AI assistance. | AI for code completion and generation, supports multiple languages, versatile for vibe coding. | |
Visual Studio Code | Widely used IDE with extensions like GitHub Copilot for AI support. | AI-powered suggestions via Copilot, supports multiple languages, free for individuals, extensible. | |
Trae (by ByteDance) | AI-powered IDE by ByteDance, offering free access to advanced AI models. | Free access to GPT-4o and Claude-3.5-Sonnet, modern UI, supports Chinese developers, Builder mode. | |
PearAI | Open-source AI code editor, integrating multiple AI tools for coding assistance. | Open-source, AI chat and debugging, community-driven, integrates multiple AI tools. |
Below is a detailed table of IDEs used for vibe coding, along with their strengths, tailored for AI-assisted workflows:
Detailed Analysis of Each IDE
Cursor IDE
Karpathy's preference for Cursor IDE, especially with Cursor Composer, highlights its role in vibe coding. It offers predictive editing and natural language editing, making it ideal for developers focusing on ideas rather than code details. Its adoption by engineers at companies like Shopify and OpenAI underscores its reliability (Cursor IDE features).
Replit
Replit's Agent feature allows users to describe apps in a few sentences, with AI handling the rest, from environment setup to deployment. It's noted for its accessibility, enabling non-technical users to build functional apps, as seen in its documentation (Replit Agent docs). This aligns with vibe coding's goal of lowering barriers.
Windsurf IDE
Launched by Codeium, Windsurf is described as the first agentic IDE, using Cascade technology for deep codebase understanding. It supports natural language interactions, keeping developers in flow, as detailed on its website (Windsurf IDE). Its focus on AI collaboration makes it a strong contender for vibe coding.
JetBrains IDEs (with AI Service)
JetBrains IDEs, such as PyCharm and IntelliJ, integrate AI through JetBrains AI Service, offering features like code completion and generation. While traditionally used by professionals, their AI enhancements make them suitable for vibe coding, supporting multiple languages (JetBrains AI).
Visual Studio Code (with AI Extensions)
Visual Studio Code, with extensions like GitHub Copilot, is a staple for developers. Copilot's ability to generate code from natural language prompts aligns with vibe coding, and its free individual use makes it accessible (GitHub Copilot for VS Code). Its popularity ensures wide adoption.
Trae (by ByteDance)
Launched by ByteDance, Trae offers unlimited free access to advanced AI models like GPT-4o and Claude-3.5-Sonnet, with a modern UI and Builder mode for generating entire projects from descriptions. It supports Chinese developers, enhancing accessibility (Trae by ByteDance, ByteDance Launches New AI Coding Tool Trae).
PearAI
PearAI, an open-source fork of VSCode, integrates multiple AI tools, offering AI chat and debugging features. Its community-driven approach and focus on seamless AI integration make it suitable for vibe coding, as seen on its official site (PearAI Official Site).
Additional Tools and Platforms
While the focus is on IDEs, platforms like Bolt and Lovable were considered, which generate code from prompts but are more web-based environments than traditional IDEs. Bolt, for instance, allows prompting and deploying full-stack apps (Bolt.new), but its UI is less suited for editing, making it more of a prototyping tool. These were excluded from the primary list but noted for completeness.
Trends and Implications
1
Democratization
Making coding accessible to all
2
AI-First Development
Shifting paradigms in software creation
3
Human Oversight
Ensuring code quality and reliability
The rise of vibe coding, as evidenced by recent articles, suggests a shift toward AI-first development, with IDEs like Cursor and Replit leading the charge. This could democratize software creation, but concerns about code reliability and maintenance, as noted in Wikipedia (Vibe coding Wikipedia), highlight the need for human oversight. The future, as predicted by industry leaders, may see even more sophisticated AI integration, potentially transforming development by 2025.
Conclusion
7
Top IDEs
Identified for vibe coding support
2025
Transformation Year
Predicted for software development
100%
Accessibility
Goal for future coding platforms
The identified IDEs—Cursor, Replit, Windsurf, JetBrains, Visual Studio Code, Trae, and PearAI—offer robust support for vibe coding, each with unique strengths enhancing productivity and accessibility. This analysis provides a foundation for developers to choose tools based on their needs, acknowledging the evolving nature of AI-assisted coding.