Apr 8, 2025

AI

Vibe coding 101

For years, no code platforms have promised to democratize software development—allowing non-technical users to build apps using drag-and-drop interfaces instead of traditional programming. And they’ve made real progress. But we’re now entering a new era, one powered by AI, where the next evolution of building is emerging: vibe coding.

What is vibe coding?

Vibe coding is the practice of building software using natural language and AI, rather than lines of code or visual workflows. It’s less about manipulating UI components or configuring logic blocks, and more about describing what you want—then letting the AI app builder do the heavy lifting.

In vibe coding, your prompt is your blueprint. You might type, “Create an app that tracks client projects, shows deadlines on a calendar, and sends reminders when tasks are overdue.” An AI app builder interprets that request, automatically generating the data model, UI, and business logic needed to make it work.

Think of it as building by intent, not by implementation.

How it’s different from no code platforms

While no code platforms have lowered the barrier to app development, they still require a fair amount of manual effort. Users often have to:

  • Choose and customize UI components

  • Define data models by hand

  • Configure workflows and conditional logic

  • Understand platform-specific quirks and limitations

By contrast, AI app builders remove much of this friction. They infer what you mean, suggest intelligent defaults, and generate functional software without requiring deep technical understanding. The result is faster prototyping, reduced tool complexity, and more space for creativity.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison:


No-code platforms

AI app builder

Interface

Drag-and-drop UI

Natural language prompt

Setup time

Hours to days

Minutes

Learning curve

Moderate

Low

Customization

Manual tweaks required

AI generates and suggests

Scalability

Varies by platform

AI adapts as app grows

Best practices for vibe coding

As vibe coding becomes more widespread, we’re starting to see early patterns of what works—and what doesn’t. Here are some emerging best practices:

Do:
  • Start with a clear intent. The more specific your prompt, the better your results.

  • Iterate conversationally. Treat the AI like a collaborator. Tweak, refine, and re-prompt as needed.

  • Review the output. AI-generated apps are fast, but still benefit from human judgment.

  • Use it to unblock momentum. Vibe coding is perfect for MVPs, prototypes, and internal tools.

Don’t:
  • Expect perfection out of the gate. Think of the AI as a starting point, not an endpoint.

  • Overcomplicate your prompt. Simple, direct language works best.

  • Ignore what the AI builds. You should still understand the structure of your app.

Why it matters

Vibe coding represents a fundamental shift in how we think about building. It moves software development away from mechanical execution and toward high-level creativity. For founders, product teams, and operators, that means shipping faster, testing ideas sooner, and spending more time on what matters most: solving real problems.

And for organizations looking to stay ahead, adopting AI app builders isn’t just about saving time—it’s about transforming how teams build and iterate in a world where speed and agility win.

We’re still in the early days of vibe coding, but its potential is massive. As AI continues to evolve, the gap between idea and execution will continue to shrink. If no code platforms were about removing code, vibe coding is about removing friction.

The future of building is already here—you just have to prompt it.

Make software work for you

Make software work for you

1,000+ software tools have already been made with Sutro. Make yours today.

Make software work for you

Make software work for you

1,000+ software tools have already been made with Sutro. Make yours today.

Make software work for you

Make software work for you

1,000+ software tools have already been made with Sutro. Make yours today.