In this episode of Building Better Foundations on the Building Better Developers podcast, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore one of today's fastest-growing software trends—vibe coding.

Vibe coding blends human creativity with artificial intelligence, allowing developers to describe what they need and let AI generate code in real time. It's a revolutionary idea that promises speed, flexibility, and innovation—but it also raises new questions about structure, consistency, and long-term maintainability.

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What Exactly Is Vibe Coding?

At its core, vibe coding means coding collaboratively with AI. Developers outline the functionality, design, and structure they want, while AI produces the initial code and suggestions. This makes it ideal for rapid prototyping and minimum viable products (MVPs)—helping teams turn ideas into functioning apps in record time.

"You're using AI to generate some code and basically allowing AI to code as you go," Rob explains.

The catch? Without solid foundations and thoughtful architecture, the speed of AI-generated code can create technical debt—making long-term projects harder to maintain or scale.

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Using AI as a Junior Developer

Rob compares vibe coding to collaborating with a junior or mid-level developer: capable and fast, but in need of clear direction.

"If you define your architecture, style, and structure clearly," he says, "AI can build pages and components that fit your system."

The best results come from specific, incremental prompts. Instead of asking for an entire app, start small—perhaps a single navigation bar or form layout—and refine from there. Each small win compounds into a solid, scalable solution.

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From User Stories to Smart Code

Michael takes the discussion further, explaining how test-driven development (TDD) and user stories make vibe coding more reliable and efficient.

"If you walk AI through the user story—'as a user, I need to log in'—you'll get a better, more useful result," he says.

Start by asking AI to write a test case for your feature. Once that test passes, ask it to generate the code. This simple adjustment keeps AI aligned with real-world behavior and helps non-coders understand how requirements become working software.

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5 Pro Tips for Smarter Vibe Coding

• Be Specific: Define frameworks, styling, and goals in your prompts.
• Start Small: Break your requests into clear, focused tasks.
• Iterate Often: Review, test, and refine AI output continuously.
• Think in Tests: Use user stories and TDD to guide quality.
• Validate Needs: Confirm requirements before coding begins.

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Avoiding the Trap of Confirmation Bias

Michael also warns against confirmation bias—believing AI's output simply because it sounds right.

"AI can tell you what you think you need, not what you actually need," he cautions.

To stay grounded, developers should regularly check with clients or end users to confirm that AI-generated solutions align with real requirements. AI is a tool, not a truth engine.

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From Prototype to Production

While vibe coding is perfect for prototypes, Rob reminds listeners that production-ready systems still need human craftsmanship. Clean architecture, maintainable code, and performance tuning remain crucial for success.

AI can accelerate development—but it's still the developer's job to ensure that the final product is secure, scalable, and sustainable.

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Final Thoughts on Vibe Coding

Vibe coding represents a major shift in how developers think about building software. Used wisely, it enhances creativity, speeds up delivery, and reduces repetitive tasks. Used carelessly, it can create chaos and confusion.

As Rob and Michael emphasize, the secret lies in balance: human insight plus AI efficiency. Together, they form the foundation for faster, smarter, and better software.

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Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community

We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development.

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Additional Resources

• Improving Coding Skills: Building Better Developers by Building Better Habits
• Coding Options: No-Code, Low-Code & AI Vibe
• The Importance of Properly Defining Requirements
• Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content