Vibe coding: The rise of AI-driven development, and why expertise still matters

Collins Dictionary has named “vibe coding” its Word of the Year for 2025, but this isn’t just a quirky internet phrase, it’s a serious shift in how software is being built.

What Is vibe coding?

Coined by computer scientist Andrej Karpathy (co-founder of OpenAI and former AI lead at Tesla), vibe coding refers to a new style of programming where developers use natural language prompts to guide large language models (LLMs) in generating code. Instead of writing every line manually, the programmer sets goals, gives examples, and provides feedback, letting the AI do the heavy lifting.

Karpathy described it as “fully giving in to the vibes,” where the developer focuses on intent and outcomes, not syntax. Tools like MenuGen were built this way, with Karpathy acting more like a conductor than a coder.

But here’s the catch: vibe coding often involves accepting AI-generated code without fully understanding it.

The low-code trap

This is where businesses need to be careful. Vibe coding shares DNA with low-code platforms, tools that promise fast development with minimal technical input. While they’re great for prototyping or internal tools, they can lead to serious problems:

• Teams become dependent on platforms they don’t understand.
• Codebases grow without proper documentation or oversight.
• Scaling or integrating with other systems becomes painful.
• When something breaks, there’s no one who knows how to fix it.

Shoothill’s approach: AI + expertise

At Shoothill, we embrace innovation, but we never lose sight of the fundamentals. Our team combines cutting-edge tech with deep software engineering knowledge to ensure:

• Your systems are robust, scalable, and maintainable.
• You’re not locked into platforms you can’t evolve.
• You get the benefits of AI without the risks of blind adoption.

Whether we’re building a bespoke SaaS platform or integrating Starlink into your IT infrastructure, we make sure you understand what’s under the hood, and that it’s built to last.

The bottom line

Vibe coding is exciting. It’s fast, creative, and opens up new possibilities. But it’s not a replacement for expertise. Businesses still need developers who understand architecture, security, and scalability, not just vibes.

Shoothill is here to help you innovate with confidence.