Category · Is vibe coding bad
Is Vibe Coding Bad? A Balanced Take for 2026
By Ethan Halfhide · Updated
"Is vibe coding bad" is one of the most searched questions in developer communities right now — and the answer depends entirely on what you are trying to build. Critics point to security holes, untestable code, and architectural debt. Proponents point to finished products shipping faster than ever.
The case against vibe coding
Critics argue that vibe coding bypasses fundamentals — leading to messy architectures, hidden security vulnerabilities, and code that is impossible to maintain without the original AI context. Stack Overflow and Hacker News threads are full of horror stories from developers who inherited vibe-coded codebases.
The case for vibe coding
Proponents argue that vibe coding is a tool, not a replacement for thinking. When used correctly, with human review at every step, proper testing, and iterative refinement, it produces real software that solves real problems. The proof is in the thousands of vibe-coded B2B apps already being used in production. If you are new to the debate, start with how vibe coding works and where the term vibe coding came from.
When it goes wrong
Vibe coding goes wrong when developers treat AI output as ground truth. Common failure modes:
- →SQL injection from unsanitised inputs
- →Hardcoded secrets committed to git
- →Unoptimised database queries that work locally and kill performance at scale
- →No tests, so regressions go unnoticed until production
When it works
Vibe coding works best for greenfield projects, internal tools, MVPs, and solo-founder SaaS. The apps in this directory were all built by non-traditional developers, and real businesses are paying to use them. It also fits internal tools over business data, which our Salesforce vibe coding guide covers, including where the approach falls short.
Vibe-coded apps shipping in production
⚡ Quick pick
Expensinator: Production expense manager vibe-coded with Lovable. Proof that AI-built apps can be reliable enough for paying customers.
Production expense manager vibe-coded with Lovable. Proof that AI-built apps can be reliable enough for paying customers.
A working CRM tracking real sales pipelines, vibe-coded with Bolt.new in a weekend.
Appointment booking with payments built in Cursor — used daily by service businesses.
Freelance proposals and contracts built with Lovable. Real users, real revenue.
Frequently asked questions
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About the author
Ethan Halfhide
Ethan Halfhide is an AI technologist and educator who has taught more than a thousand founders to build apps with AI coding tools. He tracks Lovable, Cursor, Bolt, Replit and the apps people ship with them.