Lesson
Chat Bot
Introduction to AI-Assisted "Vibe Coding" (No-Code Development)
Learn how to build software by simply describing what you want in plain English and letting AI create the code for you.
Introduction & What is Vibe Coding?
Imagine building software by simply describing what you want in plain English and letting an AI create the code. Vibe coding is exactly that – an AI-assisted approach to development where you focus on ideas and "the vibe" of the project, and the AI writes the actual code (Will the future of software development run on vibes? \ stacker news ~AI). In vibe coding, you tell the computer what to do in natural language and the AI model translates it into working code, without you needing to write the syntax yourself (Will the future of software development run on vibes? \ stacker news ~AI). This emerging practice was famously coined by AI expert Andrej Karpathy in early 2025, when he described a new way of "just seeing stuff, saying stuff, and it mostly works" in coding (Will the future of software development run on vibes? \ stacker news ~AI).
Why is this exciting? For the first time, even people with no prior programming experience can create apps and websites by collaborating with AI. It dramatically lowers the barrier to entry for software creation (Will the future of software development run on vibes? \ stacker news ~AI). Instead of spending months learning a programming language, you can jump straight into building your idea. Vibe coding is all about high-level guidance – you provide the vision or problem description, and the AI handles the technical details. This means faster prototyping, more focus on creativity, and less worry about syntax errors.
Real-World Examples & Learning Objectives
Real-World Example
A marketer with zero coding skills used an AI tool (Replit's AI Agent) to create a content idea generator app in just 30 minutes (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code). He simply described what the app should do (brainstorm content ideas), and the AI built it. This kind of story is becoming more common as vibe coding tools improve. It shows that if you can describe a problem clearly, you can potentially solve it with software – without writing code yourself.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
  • Explain what vibe coding is and its significance in modern software development.
  • Use AI-powered no-code tools to build a simple project from scratch.
  • Iterate and debug a project by interacting with an AI assistant (refining prompts and fixing errors).
  • Compare popular AI coding tools (Replit, Bolt.new, Cursor, Windsurf, Trae) and choose the right one for a given use case.
  • Apply best practices in crafting prompts and managing AI-generated code, avoiding common pitfalls.
Materials Needed
  • A computer with internet access for each student (or a shared environment).
  • Accounts or access to at least one AI coding tool (e.g. a Replit account, or access to bolt.new which can be used without signup).
  • No prior coding knowledge is required, but bring an open mind and a willingness to experiment!
Engaging Kick-off (5 min)
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Live Demonstration
The instructor will live-demonstrate vibe coding by building a super simple program in real-time. For example, ask an AI coding assistant to "Create a webpage that says 'Hello, World!' with a blue heading and a smiling emoji." Within seconds, watch as the AI generates the HTML/CSS code and the result is displayed. This immediate visual feedback helps demystify the process and shows the "magic" of vibe coding from the get-go.
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Class Discussion
Ask the class, "Have you ever had an idea for an app or website but felt you couldn't make it because you don't code?" Many students will nod. Follow up with, "How cool would it be to just tell the computer your idea and have it build it?" Explain that this is now possible and is what today's lesson is about. Encourage a few students to share what they would build if coding was not a barrier – this gets them thinking creatively and personally connecting to the topic.
What is Vibe Coding and How Does It Work? (10 min)
Definition
Vibe coding is an AI-dependent programming approach where instead of writing code line by line, you describe the problem or desired application in natural language, and an AI (usually a large language model like ChatGPT) generates the code for you (Vibe coding - Wikipedia). You essentially collaborate with an AI "pair programmer" that writes and even debugs code based on your guidance.
How It Works
The process is typically interactive and iterative:
  1. You prompt the AI with a request or description of what you want (the functionality, design, etc.).
  1. The AI produces code (it might be a snippet, a function, or even multiple files for a whole app).
  1. You run/test the code to see if it matches your expectations.
  1. Refine by giving feedback or further instructions – e.g., "make the button larger," or "fix the error when I submit the form." The AI then adjusts the code accordingly. This loop repeats until you are satisfied with the result.
Emphasis on Iteration
Vibe coding isn't a one-shot deal. It's normal (and expected) to go back-and-forth with the AI. For example, you might start with, "I want a simple to-do list app with a field to add tasks and a list to display them." The AI creates a basic app. Then you might say, "Now add a button to mark tasks as completed," and the AI will modify the code to add that feature. This iterative improvement is a core part of vibe coding – you build in small steps, which keeps it manageable and aligns with how non-coders think (one idea at a time, not entire codebase at once).
The "Vibe" Mindset & Example
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The "Vibe" Mindset
Traditional coding can feel very detail-oriented and strict (you have to get syntax exactly right). Vibe coding flips that experience – it's more like having a conversation about what you want. You can "give in to the flow" and let the AI handle the picky details (Will the future of software development run on vibes? \ stacker news ~AI). It's a bit like explaining your idea to a very knowledgeable assistant. Your focus is on what the software should do, and less on how to implement it in code.
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Example in Plain Language
"I need an app that helps podcasters calculate how long a script will take to record. It should have a text box for the script, and a button that, when clicked, shows an estimate of recording time." – From this description, a vibe coding AI can generate a working web app with a text area, a button, and some logic to estimate speaking time (as was done in a real example) (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code). The person didn't write any code; they just described the app and refined it with the AI.
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Key Takeaway
Vibe coding = describe idea → get code → give feedback → refine code, all in natural language. Anyone who can describe what they want can try this – it's not reserved for seasoned programmers. This levels the playing field and empowers creativity.
Tools and Platforms for Vibe Coding (15 min)
There are several AI-powered development tools that enable vibe coding. Each has its own features and best use cases. Let's explore some of the most popular ones and see what they offer:
1. Replit (with AI / Replit Agent)
Key Features
Replit is a cloud-based development environment (IDE) that runs in your browser. It supports many programming languages and lets you code, run, and host apps all in one place. With the introduction of Replit's AI features (like Ghostwriter and Replit Agent), you can now have an AI partner inside Replit that generates code, fixes bugs, and even sets up entire projects based on your prompts (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code) (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code). Replit's interface includes an editor, console, and an AI chat sidebar where you converse with the assistant.
What to Love
  • Collaboration: Because it's cloud-based, you can easily share your project with classmates or teachers for help, or even code together in real-time.
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Pricing
Replit has a free tier that lets you create and run basic projects and even try out AI in a limited capacity. For heavier use and full AI assistance, their paid plans (Replit Core plan) cost around $20/month (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code) (this includes the advanced AI features and more computing power). For our class purposes, the free tier is sufficient to get started. Students can sign up for free and later decide if they need the Pro features.
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Best For
Beginners who want an all-in-one solution. Replit is great if you want to see and edit the code directly alongside the AI. It's slightly more complex in interface than some dedicated no-code tools, but it's very powerful and gives you the option to learn the code if you want. Replit is also ideal for web apps, small scripts, or any project where being able to run and share easily is a plus.
2. Bolt.new
Key Features
Bolt.new is a newer AI coding tool focused on speed and simplicity. It's essentially a website where you go and immediately start describing what you want to build – no setup, no install, no account required. The environment is a live coding workspace in your browser that generates a full-stack app from your prompt (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code). You can see the app running instantly as the AI creates it. Bolt.new even integrates with deployment tools (like Netlify) so you can host your creation with one click (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code).
What to Love
  • Beginner-friendly: The interface is clean and minimal. You don't see a lot of scary code (though you can look at it); instead, you mainly interact through the AI prompt panel and a preview of your app.
  • Instant feedback: As soon as the AI builds the app, you can interact with it in the browser. Want to change something? Just tell Bolt.new and it updates the app in real-time.
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Pricing
Currently, Bolt.new is free to use with some daily AI usage limits (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code). This means you can generate a certain number of projects or lines of code per day without charge – plenty for learning and small projects. (As of now, there isn't a paid tier widely advertised, but usage limits ensure the service isn't abused.)
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Best For
Quick prototyping and people who want to dive in without any overhead. If you have an idea and want to see it live in minutes, Bolt.new is a perfect choice. It's also useful in a classroom setting because no installations are needed – perfect for a demo or an exercise where everyone can just open a browser and start vibe coding immediately.
3. Cursor
Key Features
Cursor is an AI-enhanced code editor that you can install on your computer (similar to VS Code in look and feel). It provides a rich coding environment with AI deeply integrated. With Cursor, you can type or speak your requests, and it will generate code or even entire files. It supports a conversational workflow (often referred to as "Cursor AI" or "Cursor Composer") where the AI can make changes to your codebase in response to your instructions. Cursor is known for having powerful code completion and the ability to handle larger context (it can understand and modify multiple files of your project together).
What to Love
  • Conversational coding: You can highlight a piece of code and ask Cursor's AI, "What does this do?" or say "Refactor this function to be faster," and it will oblige. This makes it feel like a pair-programmer is with you, which is great for learning.
  • Project-aware suggestions: Cursor's AI keeps track of your entire project context, so it can make smarter suggestions across files. For example, if you ask for a new feature, it might create not just one file but also modify another to integrate that feature.
  • Hobby tier available: There is a free Hobby tier where you can use Cursor with some limitations (possibly using a less powerful AI model or limits on daily queries), which is enough to try out on small projects.
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Pricing
Cursor has a free Hobby tier (good for exploring and small-scale use) and a Pro tier at around $20/month for full power and advanced features (Cursor vs Windsurf vs GitHub Copilot - Builder.io). The Pro tier likely gives access to more powerful AI models (like GPT-4), longer context (bigger projects), and priority support. For students, the free tier is a good starting point to see if this tool fits their style before considering an upgrade.
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Best For
Those who want a more traditional coding interface but with AI superpowers. If you eventually want to learn coding while you build, Cursor is a nice bridge – you see all the code and can edit it manually, but you have the AI to help generate and explain it. It might be slightly less instant-gratification than Bolt.new or Replit Agent because it feels more like coding, but it's very powerful for larger or more complex projects.
4. Windsurf
Key Features
Windsurf is a full AI-powered IDE (Integrated Development Environment) developed by the team behind Codeium. It's notable for being one of the first AI agent-based code editors that is completely free. Windsurf offers intelligent code autocompletion, an AI chat for code generation and fixes, and a unique "Cascade Flow" system that deeply understands your code context to provide instant, relevant suggestions. It's available on multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux) as a standalone editor (Windsurf Editor by Codeium).
What to Love
  • Privacy & local processing: Windsurf, being a product of Codeium, values privacy – your code isn't sent to an external service beyond what's needed for AI (and Codeium has stated their tools are free for individuals).
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Pricing
Completely free (at least for now). Windsurf offers its full feature set without charge (Why Windsurf is the Best Free AI Code Editor You've Never Heard Of - DEV Community), which is a big selling point. There's no seat fee or subscription required for personal use. (If they introduce premium features later, the core is still expected to remain free for individual developers, similar to how Codeium operates.)
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Best For
Students or hobbyists who want a powerful coding tool without paying, and who don't mind installing a program on their computer. Since Windsurf is an IDE, it might appeal to those who want to eventually transition to professional development, as it feels closer to a pro coding environment. However, its AI assistance means you can use it even if you're not an expert – you can rely on the AI to write and explain code.
5. Trae
Key Features
Trae is a new AI-powered code editor/IDE (originating from ByteDance) that introduces an interesting mode called "Builder mode." In Builder mode, Trae can automatically break down a project idea into tasks and execute them one by one (ByteDance Launches New AI Coding Tool Trae with DeepSeek R1 ...). Essentially, you can describe a complete app you want, and Trae will plan out the steps (create a frontend, set up a backend, etc.) and go through each step with AI, showing you progress. It also has a standard chat mode for asking coding questions or making smaller changes.
What to Love
  • Automated project building: Trae's Builder mode is great for non-coders because it guides the development process. For example, if you say "Build a personal blog website with a home page, blog posts page, and an admin login," Trae might create the necessary files for pages, set up a simple server, etc., in a structured way.
  • Interactivity and Control: You can intervene during the build process – Trae lets you preview each step, accept or modify it, which is good for learning. You get to see how an app is constructed piece by piece.
  • Free and full-featured: Trae is currently 100% free to download and use, with no limitations on the AI features (as per its early 2025 release promotion).
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Pricing
Free. As a newcomer to the market, Trae has made its tool free to gain adoption (and possibly to collect feedback/data to improve). There is no subscription required. In the future, premium features might appear, but core functionalities are free at this time (BEATS Cursor + Windsurf! FREE API! (Opensource) - YouTube).
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Best For
People who want a hands-off approach to building entire projects. If Bolt.new is like a quick sandbox and Replit is like a manual workshop, Trae is like having an AI project manager that handles the scaffolding of your app. It's excellent for learning how an application is structured since you can watch the AI break down tasks. Beginners who are intimidated by a blank canvas might find comfort in Trae guiding them through the project creation.
Tool Comparison Summary

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Browser-Based
If you prefer not to install anything and just use the browser, try Bolt.new or Replit. These tools run completely in your web browser with no downloads required.

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Code Visibility
If you want to see and possibly edit the code directly, and maybe learn coding as you go, Replit, Cursor, or Windsurf let you do that by showing you the code fully.

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Cost Considerations
Windsurf and Trae are fully free; Replit and Cursor have free tiers; Bolt.new is free with some usage limits. Choose based on your budget constraints.

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Project Guidance
If you want the AI to guide the whole project structure for you, Trae might be the best fit with its automated stepwise building, followed by Replit Agent which also can manage full-stack setups.

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Quick Prototyping
For quick one-off ideas to test out (like a prototype you'll throw away), Bolt.new is super quick with its minimal interface and instant feedback.
Encourage students to explore these tools (perhaps as homework or in future projects) and find which vibe coding environment they feel most comfortable in. For today, we will choose one tool (Replit) for our hands-on project just to have everyone on the same page, but knowing the options is important.
Hands-On Project: Build a Simple Application with AI Assistance (20 min)

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Project Choice
A Simple To-Do List Web App. This classic beginner project normally requires HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but today the AI will handle the coding, while you focus on describing features and design.
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Personalization
Feel free to personalize it (maybe it's a "Reminders" list or "Shopping List" app – the vibe is the same). The goal is to practice prompting and iteration.
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Core Features
The app will allow a user to add tasks and view them in a list (and maybe mark them done, if we get to it).
Step 1: Plan & Describe the MVP
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Think About Basic Features
First, think about what the basic version of our app needs. For a to-do list, the core features might be:
  • An input box to type a task.
  • A button to add the task to the list.
  • A display area below showing all added tasks.
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Consider the Design
Ask yourself: What should it look like? Maybe a simple, clean layout with the input at the top and tasks listed below.
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Write Your Initial Prompt
In Replit (or your chosen tool), open the AI chat or prompt area and enter something like:
"Create a simple todo list web app. It should have an input field where the user can type a task and a button to add the task. When the button is clicked, the task appears in a list below. Use plain HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Make the design clean and centered on the page."
This prompt gives the AI a clear description of what we want and even specifies the technology (HTML/CSS/JS). Specifying tech isn't always necessary, but it helps ensure we get a web-based solution here. Press enter and let the AI work.
Step 2: Review the AI's Output & Run It
Generated Code
The AI will generate code – likely it will produce an index.html (with embedded CSS and JS or separate files). Don't worry if you don't understand the code; focus on what the AI says it did.
Run the App
Replit might automatically open a preview of the web app, or you might need to click "Run". Do so now to test the first version of your app.
Test Functionality
Try it out in the preview:
  • Does an input box and button show up?
  • When you type a task and hit the button, does it display in the list?
Let's say it works, but maybe the styling is very plain and there's no way to mark a task as done. We have a basic MVP functioning, which is a success already!
Step 3: Iterate - Add New Features or Improvements
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Mark Tasks as Completed
Let's ask for the ability to mark tasks as done. Prompt the AI:
"Add a feature to the todo app: when I click a task in the list, mark it as completed by crossing it out or highlighting it."
The AI should modify the code to implement this. It might add an event listener in the JS for clicks on list items, and toggle a CSS class to strike-through text.
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Test the New Feature
Once the AI provides the changes, run the app again. Test by adding a couple of tasks and clicking one – does it cross out or indicate completion? Great!
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Add a "Clear All" Button
Next, let's also ask for a "Clear all" button. Prompt:
"Also add a 'Clear All' button below the list that clears all tasks when clicked."
The AI will update the code with this feature. Run again and test the Clear All button.
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Improve the Design
You could also ask to improve the styling – maybe make the font bigger, add some color, etc.
Through these steps, we gradually build up functionality by simply describing each new requirement. We never wrote any code ourselves; we only gave instructions.
Step 4: Address Errors or Issues (Debugging with AI)
Handling Error Messages
If you encountered a bug or error message, copy the error text and feed it to the AI:
"I got this error: [paste error]. Please fix it."
The AI can often identify the issue and correct the code (this technique of using error messages is surprisingly effective (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code) (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code), as Karpathy noted in his description of vibe coding).
Fixing Functionality Issues
If something is not an error but just not quite right (say, the clear button is there but not clearing), you can ask:
"The Clear All button isn't clearing the list. Can you fix that?"
The AI will adjust the code accordingly.
Improving Layout and Appearance
If the layout or appearance is off, be specific about the desired change:
"Center the input and button, and add some spacing between list items."
This teaches a critical skill: prompt refinement for debugging. You don't have to solve the bug alone – you have an AI assistant who can troubleshoot when given the right feedback.
Step 5: Polish and Final Review
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Styling Improvements
Ask for some basic styling improvements (if not done already). Perhaps:
"Make the app look nicer: maybe use a nicer font, and make completed tasks have a green checkmark."
This might be a bit advanced, but the AI could add a checkmark icon and some CSS.
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User Experience Enhancements
Ensure the app is user-friendly:
  • Clear placeholder text in input
  • Maybe the input clears automatically after adding a task – if not, we can prompt for that: "clear the input field after adding the task"
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Thorough Testing
Test everything again thoroughly: add several tasks, mark some done, clear all, etc. This is to practice the habit of thorough testing.
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Student Participation
Throughout this process, encourage students to come up with the next steps or improvements. After the initial version is built, ask "What else could we add to this app?" Take a quick brainstorm and list ideas (sorting tasks, editing tasks, due dates, etc.). Pick one or two that are feasible and try those.
By the end of this exercise, students have built a working web app using vibe coding! This hands-on practice demystifies the development process and builds confidence.
Common Pitfalls in Vibe Coding and How to Avoid Them (5 min)
Overly Vague Prompts
If your instructions to the AI are too broad or unclear, you might get disappointing results. For example, saying "Make me a game" is ill-defined – the AI might not guess what you really want.
Solution: Be as specific and clear as possible about features and requirements. You don't have to know technical terms, just describe the user experience or outcome in detail. Include specifics like platform (web, mobile), features (buttons, inputs, etc.), and style or purpose.
Trying to Do Too Much at Once
It's tempting to ask the AI for a very complex app all in one prompt. The result can be overwhelming or buggy, and you might not understand how it works at all.
Solution: Iterative development – break your project into smaller chunks. Build the core first, then add features one by one (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code). This way you can test incrementally and keep things manageable.
Ignoring What the Code Does
Since vibe coding lets you bypass writing code, some learners might completely ignore the code that the AI produces. This can lead to confusion if something goes wrong, and you won't learn anything over time.
Solution: Even if you don't fully understand the code, take glances at it. Ask the AI to explain sections: "Can you explain how this part works?" The AI can provide a summary in plain language. Over time, you'll pick up common patterns.
More Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Blindly Accepting AI Suggestions
Sometimes the AI might generate code that works but isn't exactly what you intended (or maybe it introduces a quirk). If you always hit "Accept" without review (like Karpathy joked, "I 'Accept All' always, I don't read the diffs anymore" (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code)), you might end up with a solution that has hidden issues.
Solution: After each major change, test the app and double-check that it meets your expectations. If something is off, address it sooner rather than later by clarifying your prompt or tweaking the requirement.
Frustration with AI Limitations
Sometimes the AI just doesn't get it right, or keeps misunderstanding your request. This can be frustrating if you're not used to it.
Solution: Know when to try a different approach or tool:
  • Rephrase your prompt in simpler terms, or break it into two prompts.
  • If the AI in one tool isn't handling something well, consider moving your project to another tool or model.
Dependency on Internet/Service
One practical pitfall: these AI tools require internet and their service being up. If you're in the middle of a project and the service is slow or down, you might be stuck.
Solution: Plan for using a tool when you have a stable connection. It's also wise to save your code (export or download from the tool) periodically, so you have a copy in case you need to switch environments. Replit, for example, auto-saves your project in the cloud, but it's good practice to keep backups of any important work.
Best Practices for Effective Vibe Coding (5 min)

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Master the Art
Enhance AI-generated code when comfortable
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Validate & Debug Systematically
Read error messages, pinpoint issues, change one thing at a time
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Keep a Log of Changes
Save versions of your project as you make significant changes
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Leverage AI for Explanations
Ask questions to learn while you build
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Work Iteratively & Test Frequently
Build in small increments and test after each change
Having looked at pitfalls, let's outline some best practices to get the most out of AI-assisted development. These tips will improve your outcomes and help you use vibe coding like a pro.
The mantra is "think in small steps, communicate clearly, and collaborate with the AI." By following these best practices, you'll not only get better results from vibe coding, but also slowly build up your own understanding and intuition about software development.
Craft Clear and Detailed Prompts
Poor Prompt Example
"Make a website for a podcast"
This prompt is too vague. The AI has no information about:
  • The podcast topic or theme
  • What pages are needed
  • Design preferences
  • Functionality requirements
The AI will have to make many assumptions, likely resulting in a generic website that doesn't match your vision.
Effective Prompt Example
"Make a website for a gardening podcast with an episodes page, about page, contact form, using green tones for an organic feel."
This prompt provides:
  • Specific topic (gardening podcast)
  • Required pages (episodes, about, contact)
  • Functionality (contact form)
  • Design direction (green tones, organic feel)
The AI has much more to work with and can generate a more targeted solution that better matches your needs.
As mentioned, the AI's output is only as good as your input. State the purpose of your app and list key features. If applicable, mention the tech stack or format. For design, feel free to mention style preferences – the AI can incorporate surprisingly specific design requests if given.
Class Wrap-Up and Q&A (5 min)
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What We Achieved Today
  • We saw how an idea can turn into reality quickly using vibe coding. Each of you played the role of a "software designer," and the AI acted as the "engineer" building it.
  • We got hands-on experience with iterative development using AI – from an initial concept to a refined, functional app.
  • We discussed various tools that you can explore further on your own. You're no longer limited to one environment; you have a toolkit of AI development platforms to try.
  • We covered do's and don'ts that will help you avoid frustration and use these AI helpers more effectively.
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Discussion Questions
  • "How did it feel to build something without writing code yourself?" – Some might say it's empowering, others might mention it was odd not knowing what the code did. All answers are valid.
  • "What was the most challenging part?" – Maybe coming up with the right prompt, or understanding a bug. Use this to reinforce that those parts get easier with practice and following the best practices we outlined.
  • "Can you see yourself using vibe coding for a project or idea of your own? What would you build?" – Encourage a few to share. This helps them envision using these skills beyond the classroom.
Finally, remind them that practice is key. The more they play with these tools, the better they'll get at communicating with the AI and understanding what it produces.
Encourage them to continue experimenting after class – perhaps even set a small optional challenge like: "If you enjoyed this, try using vibe coding to create a personal homepage for yourself tonight, with your photo and a short bio. You might be surprised how fast you can do it!"
Additional Resources for Further Learning
For those interested in diving deeper into vibe coding and AI-assisted development, here are some great resources and communities:
Vibe Coding Guides and Articles
"What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code"
A detailed guide by Jacob Anderson (Alitu blog) explaining the concept with examples and tools. Great for reinforcing what we learned (and it covers some tools we didn't get to) (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code) (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code).
Vibe Coding on Wikipedia
A concise overview of vibe coding's definition, origins (Karpathy's introduction), and context in AI programming (Vibe coding - Wikipedia) (Will the future of software development run on vibes? \ stacker news ~AI). Good for understanding the buzz and debates around it.
AI Coding Tools – Official Docs and Links
Replit Docs (Ghostwriter & AI)
Guides on using Replit's AI features, with examples. Start at Replit's official docs for Ghostwriter/Agent to learn commands and capabilities (What is Vibe Coding? How Creators Can Build Software Without Writing Code).
Bolt.new
Just go to bolt.new and try it. They have an intro on the site itself. No sign-up needed.
Cursor
Visit the Cursor official site (cursor.so or the like) for download and documentation. They often have example projects and a Discord community for support.
Windsurf by Codeium
Check out Codeium's website for Windsurf (it might be under their products). They also have a Dev Community post titled "Why Windsurf is the Best Free AI Code Editor" (Why Windsurf is the Best Free AI Code Editor You've Never Heard Of - DEV Community) which highlights features and can serve as a user guide.
Trae AI
See trae.ai for the download and docs. They have a Discord community (linked on their site) where you can ask questions and share experiences. Since Trae is new, the community is helpful as they all explore it together.
Communities and Forums
r/ChatGPTCoding on Reddit
A subreddit where people discuss using ChatGPT and similar AI for coding. You can learn a lot from others' questions and solutions, and even post your own questions or cool projects.
Replit Community & Forums
Replit has an active community forum and Discord where beginners can ask for help, and many are exploring the AI features. It's very friendly to newbies.
GitHub
Search for "vibe coding examples" or projects. Sometimes people share AI-generated project code. Also, GitHub is full of traditional projects; if you find one similar to what you want to build, you can use it as inspiration or even try asking the AI to create something similar.
OpenAI Developer Community
If you end up using ChatGPT directly or want to learn more about prompt crafting for coding, the OpenAI forums and docs have sections on best practices for coding prompts. They discuss how to get better results from models like ChatGPT when programming.
Prompt Crafting Resources
  • "Prompt Engineering for Developers" – A free online guide (various blog posts and GitHub repos exist under this name) that teaches how to communicate with AI models effectively. While not specific to vibe coding, the principles can help you formulate better prompts.
  • YouTube Tutorials: There are many YouTubers demonstrating AI coding tools (search for terms like "Cursor AI tutorial", "Replit AI demo", or "vibe coding demo"). Watching a couple of these can reinforce what you've learned and show different styles of interaction.
Debugging and Learning Code Basics
freeCodeCamp / Codecademy (Selective Use)
If vibe coding has sparked your interest in coding, you might complement it by learning some basics with interactive courses. For instance, understanding HTML/CSS a bit better might help you ask the AI for more nuanced web design changes. These sites are free and you can jump to sections relevant to whatever project you're working on.
Stack Overflow
The traditional Q&A forum for coding. You might find answers to error messages or how-to questions by searching there. Even if you use AI, sometimes reading how humans solved a problem (in simpler scenarios) can add to your understanding.
Remember, the goal of vibe coding is to make development accessible. These resources are here to support you – whether you want to deepen your understanding of coding or just get better at instructing AIs. There's a whole community of creators and developers exploring vibe coding; you're now part of it! Happy building, and may the vibes be with you as you create amazing things without writing code by hand.