The beginner's guide to vibe coding

How to build apps without writing code.

If you’re interested in creating your own apps, but you don't know how to code, vibe coding is going to blow your mind. Now anyone can create real applications using plain english instructions. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn how to start building apps with no-code platforms, explore the best prompting techniques, and discover how AI makes app development faster and easier.

It’s been a year since I started writing Human+AI! To celebrate, I created this special vibe coding guide for you, including a free gift at the end of the article. Thanks for reading, I really appreciate every one of you.

What’s vibe coding?

Vibe coding allows you to create software by describing what you want in plain English instead of writing computer code. Coined by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy in February 2025, this natural language programming approach lets anyone build applications by simply explaining their vision to AI tools.

"Just see things, say things, run things, and copy-paste things"
The vibe coding philosophy

This AI-powered app development method helps to get rid of technical barriers and put software creation in your hands.

Why try vibe coding for no-code app development?

• Zero programming knowledge required. Focus on what your app should do, not how to code it.

• Build functional apps in minutes.

• Instant iteration. Make changes and see results immediately.

• Create real, usable software. (For personal projects or business needs.)

• Future-proof skills as AI-assisted development becomes mainstream

Vibe coding vs. traditional coding: A clear comparison

Get started with vibe coding: Build your first app

Step 1: Choose your AI app builder platform

Recommended for beginners: Lovable (lovable.dev)

• Intuitive interface for non-coders

• Instant visual feedback on your app

• Easy deployment with one click

• Free tier available for first project

Alternatives: Replit (replit.com), Manus (manus.im)

Step 2: Describe your app in natural language

Start with a clear description of what you want your no-code app to do. For example:

Create a simple to-do list app where users can:
- Add new tasks
- Mark tasks as complete
- Delete tasks
- Filter tasks by completed/not completed
Make it look clean and modern with a light blue theme.

Step 3: Watch your app materialize

The AI app builder will generate your app in seconds, complete with working functionality and user interface, no coding required.

Step 4: Refine through natural language instructions

Improve your app by asking for changes:

• "Add the ability to set due dates for tasks"

• "Make the delete button red"

• "Add a dark mode toggle"

• "Save tasks to local storage so they persist when the page refreshes"

Step 5: Deploy and share your creation

Click "Deploy" to host your app online with a shareable link, or download the code to host elsewhere. From idea to working application—all without writing a single line of code.

Effective prompting techniques for AI app building

Starting projects

• "Create a [type of app] that lets users [main functions]"

• "Build a website for a [type of business] with pages for [list pages]"

• "Make an app that helps people [solve specific problem]"

Adding features

• "Add a feature that lets users [specific action]"

• "Create a [component] that [describes functionality]"

• "Implement [specific functionality] similar to how [known app] does it"

Fixing issues

• "The [specific feature] isn't working when [condition]. Fix it."

• "Make [component] work properly on mobile devices"

• "The data isn't saving when I refresh. Make it persistent."

Styling

• "Change the colour scheme to be more [description of style]"

• "Make the design look more professional/playful/minimal"

• "Rearrange the layout so that [component] is more prominent"

Pro tip: Be specific with your instructions. "Make it pretty" gives less direction than "Give it a modern look with rounded corners, soft shadows, and a blue-to-purple gradient."

Which is the best vibe coding platform?

Lovable (lovable.dev)

• Best for: Complete beginners and rapid app prototyping with AI

• Strengths: Intuitive interface, instant visual feedback, easy deployment

• Limitations: Less customization for advanced developers

• Free tier: Yes, with limited projects and features

Replit (replit.com)

• Best for: Those who want to learn more about coding while using AI

• Strengths: Educational features, strong community, more technical control

• Limitations: Slightly steeper learning curve than Lovable

• Free tier: Yes, generous free plan available

Manus (manus.im)

• Best for: UX-focused projects and design-heavy applications

• Strengths: Natural shorthand commands, excellent for UI refinement

• Limitations: Not as robust for complex backend functionality

• Free tier: Limited free preview available

Ready to try? Sign up for one of the platforms and start playing around. The best way to learn is to try it for yourself.

Pro tip: If you’re having trouble prompting, ask an AI chatbot for its help creating a prompt.

Common mistakes in no-code development and how to avoid them

Case study: Building an AI history timeline with vibe coding

I recently created an interactive AI history timeline tool using Lovable's vibe coding platform, documenting major AI developments from 1950 to the present day.

Visit the tool: AI Chronicle Explorer

The process:

• Started with a free account on Lovable to test the concept

• Later upgraded to a subscription to access more features

• Implemented key functionality including year filtering and search capabilities

• Been working on the project for about a week, making incremental improvements

Challenges and learnings: My biggest challenge has been perfecting the design elements. While providing prompts for functionality came naturally, describing exactly what I wanted visually proved more difficult as a non-designer. This highlighted an important aspect of vibe coding – it's easiest to prompt for things you can clearly articulate.

The experience: The most surprising aspect was how enjoyable the development process became. Seeing the project take shape through simple natural language prompts was incredibly satisfying. The ability to roll back to previous versions of the app when trying out new design elements provided a safety net that encouraged experimentation.

This tool will be my first public release using vibe coding, demonstrating how non-programmers can create functional, data-rich applications without writing a single line of code.

What can you build with natural language app development?

Vibe coding isn't just for simple apps. The key limitation isn't complexity, it's your ability to clearly describe what you want. As AI tools improve, so will the complexity of what you can build without coding skills.

This new approach to app creation is democratizing software development in the same way word processors democratized publishing—making it accessible to everyone.

Next steps: Start your no-code journey

1. Sign up for Lovable and build the to-do app example above

2. Join a community like Reddit's r/vibecoding for inspiration and support

3. Think of a real problem you want to solve with an app

4. Start small but ambitious and build something you'll actually use

5. Share what you build to get feedback and improvement ideas

Your first project doesn't need to be perfect. The goal is to start experiencing this new way of creating software and build your "AI communication skills" along the way.

Frequently asked questions about vibe coding

Is vibe coding completely free?
Most AI app builders offer free tiers to get started. Premium features typically require paid subscriptions, but you can create functional apps without spending anything.

Do I need any coding knowledge for no-code app development?
No! You can start building with zero programming knowledge. However, understanding basic concepts can help you give more effective instructions to the AI.

Is vibe coding safe for business applications?
Yes, many professionals are already using these tools for business applications. For mission-critical systems or applications with strict compliance requirements, traditional development with appropriate testing may still be preferred.

What kinds of apps can't be built with vibe coding?
Very complex applications like advanced 3D games, specialized scientific software, or systems requiring cutting-edge security might still need traditional development approaches.

How accurate is the code generated through AI app builders?
For simple to moderately complex applications, accuracy is generally very good. You might need to provide feedback and refinements for more complex functionality.

Can I edit the code manually after using vibe coding?
Absolutely! All platforms allow you to access, download, and modify the generated code if you want to learn more or make custom changes.

Which industries are using vibe coding?
Vibe coding is being adopted across many industries, including marketing agencies, small businesses, education, healthcare, and startups looking to quickly prototype ideas.

How does vibe coding compare to traditional no-code tools?
While both make software creation accessible to non-programmers, vibe coding offers more flexibility through natural language instructions. Traditional no-code tools typically use visual interfaces with drag-and-drop elements but can be more limiting in what you can create.

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Created by Nicolle Weeks at Human+AI. I’m dedicated to making artificial intelligence accessible and useful for everyone, regardless of technical background.

Download your free vibe coding prompt cheat sheet PDF to keep these tips handy as you start your vibe coding journey.