A new wave of software creation is taking shape — and it doesn’t involve traditional coding. Dubbed “vibe coding,” the term refers to a growing trend where non-technical users build apps and digital tools simply by describing what they want in plain English. Thanks to powerful generative AI models like ChatGPT and Claude, even those without any programming background can now turn their ideas into functioning applications.
The phrase “vibe coding” was coined by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy, who humorously described it as relying on instinct and natural language rather than structured programming knowledge. On social media, he joked about requesting simple design tweaks — such as “decrease the padding on the sidebar by half” — and copy-pasting error messages into AI tools until they got fixed.
Platforms like Cursor and Replit have embraced this shift, offering users a way to build and deploy apps through simple text prompts. As AI continues to democratize development, more everyday individuals are stepping into the creator role — from stay-at-home parents to schoolchildren — no longer limited by a lack of formal training.
From Parents to Students: Everyday Creators Join In
The accessibility of vibe coding has led to diverse and imaginative use cases. Nadia Ben Brahim Maazaoui, a former hospitality manager and now a stay-at-home mom in California, created a personalized AI chatbot for her daughter using ChatGPT. Dubbed a “robot friend,” the chatbot entertains her daughter with bedtime stories, teaches new vocabulary, and even helps with brushing teeth — all through natural, voice-based interaction.
In Germany, art director Lenard Flören set out to build a fitness app that matched his vision. With no coding background, he initially struggled when he tried to generate the app in one go, resulting in multiple bugs. However, by breaking the process into smaller steps and using AI to learn coding fundamentals, he eventually succeeded in creating a custom workout tracker.
Meanwhile, the next generation is also embracing this technology. Eight-year-old Fay Robinett, daughter of a tech executive, has already built several AI-powered apps — including a chatbot modeled after herself and another inspired by Harry Potter. She even created a gamified morning routine tracker that rewards her with real-world incentives, showcasing how AI can blend learning, productivity, and fun for young minds.
AI Development: Limitations and a Growing Community
While vibe coding is making app development more accessible, it’s not without challenges. AI-generated code can be error-prone, often requiring users to iterate, refine, or seek help from online communities like Reddit and Discord, where “vibe coders” share advice and troubleshoot bugs together.
Harvard neuroscience student Rishab Jain is one such example. He used AI tools to build a smart contact manager and a program that translates ancient Jain texts into English. His creations address personal and cultural needs, demonstrating the potential of AI to solve niche problems that lack existing software solutions.
For many users, vibe coding represents a paradigm shift — a way to rapidly prototype ideas and bring personal visions to life without the need for expensive developers or advanced technical training. As tools continue to evolve, so too will the role of AI in creative problem-solving, empowering more people to “build by vibe” rather than by code.
