Vibe Coding Isn't the Problem. Calling It Engineering Is

In a recent article on Dev.to, George Kobaidze explores the growing trend of 'vibe coding'—a process where users generate software via AI prompts without reviewing or understanding the underlying code. Kobaidze argues that while this approach is a valid creative outlet for personal projects, it should not be conflated with software engineering. He emphasizes that true engineering requires rigorous code review, debugging, and an understanding of security and best practices. The author distinguishes between 'vibe coding,' 'AI-assisting,' and 'AI-assisted' development, warning that relying on AI to build critical systems—such as those handling financial or personal data—without human oversight is dangerous. He concludes that while AI is a powerful tool for productivity, developers must maintain control and verify the output to ensure safety and quality, as we are not yet at a stage where AI can safely operate autonomously in professional environments.