The Origins of a New Coding Paradigm: Vibe Coding Part 1 ??
Paul Graham
Digital Tech Lead and Optimizely consultant, leading innovative tech solutions!
Introduction
Ever wonder how coding could feel less like a solo grind and more like a creative jam session? In February 2025, Andrej Karpathy's viral tweet sparked a movement, introducing "vibe coding" as a fluid, AI-driven approach to development.
This first instalment of a three-part series traces its roots, contrasting it with traditional practices and exploring why it's resonating now.
Why This Matters
Programming has continually evolved—from punch cards to frameworks. Today, AI tools are pushing us toward a new frontier. Part 1 sets the stage by looking back at how we got here, inspired by Karpathy's vision of coding as a collaborative "vibe." Whether you're a seasoned dev or a curious founder, this shift could redefine how we build software.
The Pre-AI Era: Coding's Solo Roots
Before AI entered the chat, debugging was a lone mission. Take rubber duck debugging, explaining your code to an inanimate object to spot flaws. It's a classic tactic celebrated for fostering clarity through self-talk. Then there's pseudocode, the blueprint of logic written in plain language. It demanded upfront planning, which was rigid but a lifeline for complex projects.
These methods were about discipline. You wrestled with syntax and structure solo, relying on your grit to untangle bugs.
Can A Tweet Changed the Game
Fast-forward to February 2025. Andrej Karpathy posted: "You accept all changes, paste errors back, and iterate—the code becomes a conversation" This wasn't just a hot take but a manifesto for vibe coding. AI isn't just a tool; it's a co-creator. Developers could lean on intuition, letting AI handle the heavy syntax lifting.
The tweet went viral, igniting debates about AI's role in coding. Is it reckless or revolutionary? Only time will tell.
Echoes From the Past
Vibe coding didn't emerge in a vacuum. Low-code platforms like WordPress also hinted at this shift, making creation accessible but lacking AI's real-time adaptability. These stepping stones paved the way for a paradigm where "vibe" trumps rigid rules.
Conclusion
Vibe coding blends intuition with technology, building on practices like rubber duck debugging and pseudocode while embracing AI as a partner. Karpathy's tweet was the match; today's tools are the fuel. But is this all hype or a lasting evolution? Parts 2 and 3 will dive deeper—stay tuned!
What's your take—could vibe coding change how you work? Drop your thoughts below! ?? Feel free to share this with your network if it sparks a vibe.
More In This Series
Further Reading
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