Insights from 150+ Software Engineers on Vibe-Coding

Business Insider recently conducted a survey among 167 software engineers to explore their perspectives on the emerging phenomenon of vibe-coding, an AI-driven approach to code development. The feedback uncovered a landscape of varied opinions and experiences with AI tools in programming.

Defining and Responding to Vibe-Coding

Originally conceptualized by Andrej Karpathy, 'vibe-coding' describes using AI to produce code. The term quickly gained traction globally and even secured a spot as Collins Dictionary's 2025 Word of the Year.

Although over 45% of surveyed engineers say they are adapting well to AI tools, such as vibe-coding systems, around 17% feel they are not keeping pace. The results reveal mixed sentiments about AI's impact on job security and productivity within software development.

AI Tools: Game-Changers or Just Another Resource?

Ryan Shah, a fresh computer technology graduate and AI consultant from Atlanta, shares his thoughts about the necessity of traditional coding skills in an AI-enhanced environment. He believes understanding code remains crucial, even as AI tools evolve.

Conversely, Javanie Campbell from Jamaica issues a cautionary note about over-dependency on AI tools in the profession. He predicts that those who fully rely on AI may eventually see their roles diminish.

A differing view comes from Ryan Clinton in Nashville, who no longer fears job displacement due to AI. He emphasizes the value of human oversight in AI-developed code, underscoring that judgment and architecture design are irreplaceable skills.

Meanwhile, Barry Fruitman, an experienced Android developer, remains optimistic, suggesting that AI's job market implications may not fully manifest until much later.

Impact on Efficiency and Effectiveness

Ed Gaile from Atlanta credits AI tools with significantly boosting his efficiency by reducing context-switching time. Despite this, a study indicates that while some developers save time coding, they often spend more time validating AI-generated work.

Shawn Gay from El Paso expresses concerns about the mental adjustment required to integrate AI tools into long-established coding practices, while Gus De Souza sees more pronounced productivity improvements in troubleshooting rather than in routine coding tasks.

Exploring the Role of Skill in Vibe-Coding

The concept of a 'vibe-coder' extends to anyone using AI to augment coding efforts. Lara Fraser, a data analyst from Florida, underscores the importance of a developer’s skill to manage and maintain AI-generated outputs, beyond just creating initial drafts.

Recognizing the potential pitfalls of AI, she suggests that true prowess in vibe-coding is not simply about producing code but being able to troubleshoot and develop further when necessary.