Vibe Coding

Vibe coding is the art of building software by describing what you want in plain language — and letting AI write the code.

This category shows non-technical business owners how to create custom tools without learning to program.

What You'll Learn About Vibe Coding

Our vibe coding articles teach you how to direct AI coding assistants to build exactly what your business needs.

Topics We Cover:

• Getting started with AI code generation (no programming experience required)
• Building simple business tools, calculators, and automations
• Using Claude, ChatGPT, and GitHub Copilot for code generation
• Debugging and improving AI-generated code
• When to vibe code vs. when to hire a developer

Code Without Coding

You don't need to understand Python or JavaScript to build useful tools. You need to understand your business problem clearly enough to describe it. AI handles the translation from plain English to working code.

Every article includes real examples of tools small business owners have built, with the prompts they used to create them.

Vibe Coding: Build Tools Without Learning to Program

Vibe coding represents a fundamental shift in who can create software. By describing what you want in plain English, you can direct AI to write functional code for your specific business needs.

What You Can Build with Vibe Coding

Custom Calculators Build pricing calculators, ROI estimators, or quote generators tailored to your business. No more generic spreadsheets or expensive custom development.

Data Processing Scripts Create tools that clean data, merge files, or transform formats. Handle data tasks that would otherwise require technical help.

Simple Web Tools Build internal dashboards, form processors, or client-facing widgets. Modern AI can generate complete web applications from descriptions.

Automation Scripts Write scripts that connect systems, process files, or handle repetitive tasks. Automate beyond what no-code platforms offer.

The Vibe Coding Process

Step 1: Define the Problem Clearly Describe what you need the tool to do, what inputs it takes, and what outputs you expect. Clarity here determines success.

Step 2: Generate Initial Code Use Claude, ChatGPT, or GitHub Copilot to generate first-draft code. AI handles the technical translation.

Step 3: Test and Iterate Run the code, identify issues, and describe problems back to the AI. Refinement is normal and expected.

Step 4: Deploy and Use Once working, put the tool into production. Many vibe-coded tools work reliably for years with minimal maintenance.

When to Vibe Code vs. Hire

Vibe coding works best for straightforward tools with clear requirements. Complex systems, security-critical applications, or tools requiring ongoing maintenance often justify professional development. Our articles help you make this judgment call.

Vibe Coding Projects for Small Business

Here are real examples of tools small business owners have built using vibe coding, with the prompts that made them possible.

Project 1: Custom Quote Calculator

Business need: A landscaping company needed a quote calculator that factored in lawn size, service type, frequency, and seasonal adjustments.

The approach: Describe the calculation logic in plain English, including all the pricing rules and conditions.

Prompt structure: "Create a web-based quote calculator with these inputs: [list inputs]. Use these pricing rules: [describe rules]. Show the calculation breakdown and total. Include a print-friendly version."

Result: A working calculator deployed in one afternoon that previously would have cost thousands in custom development.

Project 2: Client Intake Form Processor

Business need: A consulting firm needed to process intake forms and generate summary documents automatically.

The approach: Describe the form fields, what summaries should include, and the output format.

Prompt structure: "Create a script that takes this form data [describe fields] and generates a client brief document including: [sections]. Format as a professional document ready to share with the team."

Result: Intake processing time dropped from 30 minutes to 5 minutes per client.

Project 3: Inventory Alert System

Business need: A retail business needed alerts when inventory dropped below threshold levels.

The approach: Describe the data source, threshold logic, and notification preferences.

Prompt structure: "Create a script that checks inventory levels in [spreadsheet/system] and sends email alerts when any item drops below its minimum threshold. Include the item name, current level, and reorder quantity in the alert."

Result: No more stockouts from missed manual checks.

Project 4: Meeting Notes Formatter

Business need: A team needed to convert raw meeting notes into standardized action item documents.

The approach: Describe the input format, desired output structure, and extraction rules.

Prompt structure: "Create a tool that takes pasted meeting notes and outputs a formatted document with: meeting date, attendees, key decisions, action items with owners and due dates, and open questions."

Result: Consistent meeting documentation across the team with minimal formatting effort.

Vibe Coding Best Practices

Start Simple

Your first vibe coding project should be something straightforward. A calculator, formatter, or simple automation. Build confidence before tackling complex applications.

Describe Thoroughly

The more detail you provide about what you need, the better the result. Include:

• All inputs and their types
• All outputs and their formats
• Every rule and condition
• Error handling preferences
• Edge cases you can think of

Test Incrementally

Do not wait until the tool is complete to test. Ask for the basic version first, verify it works, then add features one at a time.

Save Everything

Keep records of:

• Successful prompts for future reference
• Working code for backup
• Notes on what did not work and why

Know Your Limits

Vibe coding works well for:

• Internal tools with limited users
• Automations and utilities
• Data processing scripts
• Simple web tools

Vibe coding may not be suitable for:

• Customer-facing applications requiring high reliability
• Security-critical systems
• Complex applications with many interacting features
• Tools requiring ongoing maintenance

Common Vibe Coding Challenges

Getting Code to Run

AI generates code, but you need somewhere to run it. Options include:

For web tools: Replit, CodePen, or Netlify let you deploy simple web applications for free.

For scripts: Python can run on your computer with free installation. Node.js is another option.

For spreadsheet automation: Google Apps Script runs directly in Google Sheets.

Debugging Errors

When code does not work:

1. Copy the error message back to the AI
2. Describe what you expected versus what happened
3. Ask for explanation and fix

Most errors are straightforward to resolve with AI assistance.

Maintaining Tools

Simple tools often work for years without changes. For tools that need updates:

• Keep the original prompts so you can regenerate
• Document what the tool does and how
• Ask AI to add features by describing current functionality plus desired changes

When to Get Help

Consider hiring professional development when:

• The tool will be used by customers
• Security or compliance requirements exist
• You have spent more than a few hours debugging
• The complexity exceeds what you can describe clearly

Tools for Vibe Coding

AI Assistants

Claude: Excellent for complex logic and careful explanations of code

ChatGPT: Good all-around, large community with examples

GitHub Copilot: Integrated directly into code editors, great for incremental development

Platforms to Run Code

Replit: Browser-based coding environment, easy deployment

Glitch: Similar to Replit, good for web projects

Google Colab: Free Python environment, good for data projects

Vercel/Netlify: Free hosting for simple web applications

No-Code Alternatives

Sometimes no-code tools are better than vibe coding:

• Calculators: Outgrow, Calconic
• Forms: Typeform, Jotform
• Automations: Zapier, Make
• Simple apps: Glide, Softr

Choose vibe coding when no-code tools cannot handle your specific requirements.