Vibe Coding: Will AI Reduce Software Development Costs and Make Programmers Obsolete? 🤖
Vibe coding is hitting the tech scene like a whirlwind! Instead of coding in HTML, JavaScript, or PHP, imagine simply telling AI, "Generate a pink landing page with fields for first name, last name, and email address." Sounds like magic? Well, it’s not — it’s vibe coding!
đź§ What Is Vibe Coding?
Vibe coding refers to using AI to create software by inputting commands in natural language. Tools like San Francisco's Cursor are making waves — they generated 900 million dollars in May 2025 and achieved a valuation of 9.9 billion dollars! GitHub Copilot is another player that rakes in about 500 million dollars yearly, with over 15 million users.
So, how's this revolutionary approach shaping the future of software development?
đź’° Will AI Lower Software Development Costs?
Traditionally, human labor accounts for around 60% of the IT project costs in software development. AI's promise of significantly trimming these expenses is intriguing!
Scenario 1: Team Reduction, Not Elimination
With AI support, experienced senior engineers can tackle tasks that previously required a squad of junior developers. For example, instead of a team made up of one senior and four juniors, imagine one senior backed by AI tools. According to Bulldog Job, a senior developer charges 155 PLN per hour, while a junior earns just 67 PLN per hour. Guess what? This shift could save about 45 thousand PLN a month!
Scenario 2: Empowering Non-Tech Users
Thanks to AI tools, product owners and analysts will be able to craft their own codes — no developers needed! This scenario could lead to a radical drop in programming costs for simpler applications, possibly nearing 100% reductions. But will it work seamlessly? 🤷‍♂️
đźš§ What's Blocking Vibe Coding Right Now?
Even with its promise, vibe coding faces several challenges:
- Lack of Full Automation — Most tools focus on code generation without offering help in compilation, execution, or deployment.
- Quality of Generated Code — AI might produce code that’s not optimal or rife with mistakes. Developers can clean it up — but what about non-tech users?
- Control and Security Issues — The opacity of AI-generated code can pose risks related to privacy and compliance with regulations like GDPR.
🎉 Who Will Win with Vibe Coding and Save Money?
- Organized Teams: IT teams with defined coding standards and robust documentation can enhance their AI tools' effectiveness.
- Individuals Handling Repetitive Tasks: Marketing teams won’t need to involve developers in creating landing pages for every campaign.
- Innovative Startups: Companies testing new ideas can swiftly develop MVPs without a full development team.
đź”§ How to Prepare for the Rollout of Vibe Coding?
- Measure Outcomes: Don’t just assume vibe coding will work. Prioritize analyzing real implementation costs and quality outcomes.
- Streamline Documentation: To avoid chaos, ensure that coding standards are clear and the documentation is accessible.
- Invest in Team Education: Equip teams with necessary training to harness the power of AI effectively.
🔍 Conclusion
Vibe coding isn't just a fleeting trend—it's a transformative tool that requires a structured and carefully managed environment to flourish. As we embrace these innovative technologies, remember that adapting to change while ensuring quality and control is key.
Author: Bartosz Szkudlarek, CEO of Eversis and an expert with 25 years of experience in software development for business.