Vibe Coding is Both a Dream and Nightmare
I have limited programming experience, so I use Vibe coding to automate my business process. I mostly use ChatGPT Plus to generate the codes. The codes are Excel VBA. Vibe coding can be both a dream and nightmare.
Dream: The Code Mostly Works
The code mostly works, and the comments are clear. As a proof of concept or a minimum viable product, it is very satisfying.
Dream: Fast Development
AI can churn out code fast. Most of the codes takes less than a minute to develop. To deploy a function into my business process, from planning to code, it usually takes about three hours to complete.
Nightmare: When the Code Breaks
The code works well as a standalone. When combining with other codes, it breaks and I have no idea where to start my troubleshooting.
Nightmare: Code Maintenance
When I need to add features or refine some functions, the final output is nothing like what I started. The AI would fix one issue and add two more problems. At this point, the lines of code would grow exponentially where I am better off scraping the project and start over.
Summary
There are two ways to treat vibe coding. The "fun" way where you just ask AI to churn out whatever code that you like, fiddle with it. The "not-so-fun" way, you treat it like a project. Carefully plan out every function and the tech stack. Work with a few AI tools to develop the code and compare the codes. Most importantly, know the programming language well enough so you can read the code and tune it yourself.
Can you create a unicorn startup company only relying on vibe coding? For now, it is unlikely. Vibe coding is useful if you need some quick and dirty solutions for your personal or internal company needs.
Note: I am still interested in developing my skills in programming. Vibe coding is only the first step to develop my skills. I cannot ignore the fact that I need to understand the programming language and application logic. This is something that I cannot outsource but to learn it.
Watch this space as I share my learning experience.