Part 3/16:
Understanding and Navigating Vibe Coding
Fowler comments on "vibe coding" as a practice suited for rapid prototyping and disposable experiments. While valuable for exploration, he cautions against its use for long-term, maintainable systems. The core issue with vibe coding is that it often bypasses the learning loop—the iterative process of understanding, refining, and evolving code.
“When you eliminate the opportunity to look closely at what the generated code is doing, you lose the chance to learn,” Fowler explains. Without this feedback cycle, developers may find themselves with code they don't comprehend, making future modifications risky and inefficient.
The Evolution of Workflows and Software Approaches
Fowler highlights several emerging workflows spurred by AI's growth: