Vibe Specs: Vibe Coding That Actually Works

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Discover how writing specifications before coding can enhance AI-assisted development and streamline your workflow.

🎉 Vibe Specs: Vibe Coding That Actually Works

It doesn’t matter how quickly you can create something if it’s useless.

🚀 Quick Start (2 minutes)

TL;DR: Make your AI write requirements before code. It takes 5 extra minutes and saves hours of confusion. Follow the Cursor rules outlined below to enhance your next project!

Want to dive right in? Here’s the fast path:

  1. Copy this into your Cursor settings (or your AI IDE of choice)
  2. Set the rules to be labeled Always Attached.
  3. Start a new chat and type: 
    "Help me add user authentication to my app"
  4. Follow the AI through spec creation (It’ll ask you clarifying questions!)
  5. Once you’re happy, just say GO! and let the magic happen. 🎩✨

😩 I. Vibe Coder's Lament

Picture this: you’re staring adoringly at your IDE, the cursor blinking like it has all the answers. You begin with a bold intent: Implement a widget. And then... 30 minutes later, you’re deep in the coding rabbit hole - ten modules in, 49 files changed, and the widget you envisioned starting to look like a jumbled mess of features none of which align with your original thought.

Sound familiar?

It’s a classic case of a vague prompt ballooning into a disaster (yep, we’ve all been there!).

Here’s the kicker: The real reason your AI-generated software ends up disappointing is simple: the AI doesn’t understand the problem you’re solving because you didn’t adequately explain the context.

🧠 Context Engineering

As noted by tech whiz @karpathy:

“Context engineering is the art of filling the context window with just the right information for the next step.”
So your mission? Provide structure through specifications before coding bliss!

✍️ II. The Modest Proposal

Hold up! Before you groan about more documentation to write, here’s the scoop: you don’t write the Spec; the LLM does! Your job is to clarify, critique, and adjust.

With the right setup, your AI will automatically ask to create a Spec before it starts coding!

📊 Workflow

Workflow Diagram

📋 Complete Cursor Rules (Copy This!)

## Development Workflow: Spec → Code

These instructions are critical! They dramatically improve the quality of the work you create.

### Phase 1: Requirements First
When asked to implement any feature or make changes, ALWAYS start by asking:
"Should I create a Spec for this task first?"

IFF user agrees:
- Create a markdown file in `.cursor/scopes/FeatureName.md`
- Interview the user to clarify:
  - Purpose & user problem
  - Success criteria
  - Scope & constraints
  - Technical considerations
  - Out of scope items

### Phase 2: Review & Refine
After drafting the Spec:
- Present it to the user
- Ask: "Does this capture your intent? Any changes needed?"
- Iterate until user approves
- End with: "Spec looks good? Type 'GO!' when ready to implement"

### Phase 3: Implementation
ONLY after user types "GO!" or explicitly approves:
- Begin coding based on the Spec
- Reference the Spec for decisions
- Update Spec if scope changes, but ask user first.

### File Organization

.cursor/ ├── scopes/ │ ├── FeatureName.md # Shared/committed Specs │ └── .local/ # Git-ignored experimental Specs │ └── Experiment.md

Remember: Think first, ask clarifying questions, _then_ code!
(source: [Vibe Specs](https://lukebechtel.com/blog/vibe-speccing))

🔥 Example: Before and After

BEFORE (Immediate Code Generation)

You prompt your AI with:

Create a widget that... Result? A sprawling mess!

AFTER (Spec-First)

You prompt:

Help me create an API route that handles search functionality. Your AI responds: Should I create a spec for this task first? Let’s clarify details!

And just like that, you’re on target! 🎯

🚀 Why do this?

Doesn’t this just take time? Well, no. Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast! Here’s why you should implement Spec-first coding:

  1. ✅ Chat Drift → Stable Documentation
    • Captures stable thinking over time.
  2. 💪 Solo Coding → Team Sport
    • Hand-off becomes seamless.
  3. 📈 No Version Control → Git-Tracked Specs
    • Evolve with clarity!
  4. 🚫 Feature Creep → Defined Scope
    • Prevents unnecessary additions.
  5. 🎯 Lost Context → Instant Resume
    • Easily catch up with your own work.
  6. 😰 Blank Page Paralysis → Structured Start
    • Eliminates uncertainty about how to begin.
  7. 🎟️ Token Waste → Efficient Context
    • More focused and relevant results!

📚 III. The Evidence

Personal Results

I had a blast interviewing with a CTO. Just 5 minutes writing a Spec led me to finish 20 min early with the perfect solution!

Academic Findings

A recent study shows specifications are key to reliable LLM code generation.

Industry Validation

Big names like OpenAI have recognized this approach. Clear specs lead to precise results!

🏁 V. Final Thoughts

In the age where every dev steps into the product manager’s shoes, the hardest part isn’t writing code—it’s understanding what code to write. Use the Vibe Specs pattern to channel your genius.
Level up your workflow today with LLM → Spec → Code. This is the way.

🗣️ Share Your Story

Tried vibe speccing? Share your experience with me!

Let’s create a community of smarter coding practices! 🧑‍🏫

💬 FAQ

Does this work with ChatGPT/Claude/other AI tools?

Yes! Works with any AI assistant.

How is this different from traditional documentation?

Specs ensure what should be built is clarified before coding begins!

What if I’m modifying existing code?

Even better! Use specs to navigate modifications effectively.

Isn't this just waterfall development with extra steps?

This is iterative—Spending 5-10 minutes per feature allows for mid-implementation changes.

So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the chaos, and let's get our vibes right! 🎉💻

Source: Luke Bechtel