What is vibe coding?

By now, you've seen that AI can answer questions, and even help you generate code. But how do you actually work with it? That's where vibe coding comes in.

Vibe coding is a new way of creating software - you describe what you want in plain language, and then work with Replit Agent until you've built what you're looking for. It's a new way to be creative and explore your ideas, without worrying about the code and complexity behind them.

When you're vibe coding, you're working with the AI - treating it like a creative partner rather than an answer machine.

The vibe coding mindset: describe → critique → iterate

Think of it like a painter at work. They start with a clear vision of what they want to create. They gather their tools (canvas, brushes, paints). Then they begin, making marks, stepping back to look, adjusting strokes that don't feel right. Some attempts fail. Some details need to be reworked. But with each iteration, they whittle away at the gap between their vision and reality.

Vibe coding works the same way:

1. Describe and plan: Tell the AI what you want to build and why.
2. Critique: Look at what it gives you. What works? What's off?
3. Iterate: Refine your prompt or direction until it aligns with your vision.

Don't just accept the first result. Shape it through feedback and iteration, like an artist refining their work.

You now have the mindset of a vibe coder: describe what you want, critique the results, and iterate until it's right. In the next lesson, you'll put this into practice by building your first real app on Replit.