The Vibe Coding Phenomenon and Its Impact on Beginner Learners

In recent years, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought major changes to various fields, including the world of programming. One widely discussed trend is ‘vibe coding’, an approach where a person creates a program simply by giving general instructions to AI without needing to understand the technical details or the programming logic itself. Although it sounds practical and efficient, this trend has raised concerns, especially among educators and beginner learners who are in the process of building their foundational knowledge. Simply put, vibe coding relies on AI’s ability to generate code automatically. Users only need to explain the goal or a rough outline of the application they want to create. The AI then composes the code structure, selects the technology, and writes the complete lines of the program. At first glance, this seems highly advantageous, particularly for those who struggle to understand syntax or basic programming concepts. However, behind this convenience lies a significant risk if the trend is used without adequate understanding. The main problem with vibe coding is not the technology itself, but the way people utilise it. Many beginners think that learning to code no longer requires a lengthy process. They feel it is enough to be a ‘director’ without needing to master fundamentals like variables, functions, algorithms, or data structures. In reality, these skills are the essential foundation for becoming a competent programmer. If a person only focuses on instant results without learning the underlying concepts, they will face difficulties when encountering real problems that require logic tracing or debugging. The use of AI in programming should be positioned as a tool, not a replacement for the learning process. AI can help explain concepts, provide implementation examples, or show alternative solutions to problems. However, it is still the human who writes and understands the code. If the AI produces incorrect or inefficient code, a user without a basic understanding will struggle to fix it. This can lead to frustration, failed projects, or complete dependence on AI without adequate technical skills. In a learning context, vibe coding is similar to someone wanting to lift heavy weights at the gym without basic training. The results might appear quickly, but the risk of injury also increases. It is the same in programming: if the foundation is not strong, the ability to develop will be hampered. Conversely, if the basics are strengthened first, AI can actually become a very useful partner to accelerate work processes and increase productivity. Therefore, it is important for beginners to be wise in facing this trend. Learn to understand the core concepts of programming first. Use AI to help clarify things that are not yet understood, not to do everything. In this way, vibe coding can become a tool that supports the learning process, not replaces it. Technology exists to make things easier for humans, but control and understanding must remain in our hands.