What is the difference between vibe coding and software engineering?
The truth is, with the right prompts, vibe coding can help someone with little to no coding experience produce workable code for basic prototypes.
Explore our AI agents and automation solutions.
Vibe coding is the predominant use of Large Language Models (LLMs) to write, troubleshoot and refine code. AI researcher Andrej Kaparthy coined the term in 2025, describing it as a lazy way of coding through the use of prompts and copy pastes to troubleshoot and fix errors.
The increasing sophistication of LLMs may leave some software engineers to question their job security. Potential clients may question the need for a Software Engineer at all.
But here are three key differences between vibe coding and software engineering and why Software Engineers will still have a job.
1. Engineers build systems
When Software Engineers build code, we build systems. We consider the back end, front end, specific integrations, deployment and cloud infrastructure before producing code for a specific outcome.
It’s not that Software Engineers don’t use AI. In fact, I think you would be aging yourself out of the market if you don’t find ways to integrate AI in your coding process.
But Software Engineers use AI as a tool, not as our bread and butter. We do not have to outsource critical thinking to an LLM to code because we have the expertise to handle those nuances ourselves.
2. Different prompting
Vibe coders do not have to know code to see results with AI assistants. But those with little coding experience tend to focus on the product and the features they want the product to have and frame their prompts accordingly.
It seems straightforward, but there are a number of ways the code can vary and still produce what you asked for in the most basic sense.
Software Engineers are able to consider the steps we would normally take to build software into consideration in order to produce more technical prompts for better results.
3. Debugging without AI
Software Engineers don’t accept everything AI is giving. If the code breaks, we can also read, write and fix the code ourselves. LLMs can be useful for troubleshooting code, but a human with experience is still needed for nuanced, critical thinking.
A bug caused by one typo takes a Software Engineer a lot less time than a human trying to explain to the LLM “It doesn’t work. Fix it”.
How to vibe code responsibly
So, is vibe coding good or bad? If you are vibe coding to create a product for the market, I recommend using your vibe code to
- Produce a prototype to show to a Software Engineer
- Share with the product team helping you strategize for your MVP Solution
Even great writers have editors. Your code, whether self or AI generated, can benefit from the expertise of a Software Engineer.
Need a second pair of eyes on your project code? Book a call with me today.