'Vibe coding' your own apps with AI is easy! 7 tools and tricks to get started

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Vibe coding is programming by intestine really feel. You've got an thought for a instrument, a web site, or a repetitive process you wish to automate… however as an alternative of enrolling in a coding boot camp or slogging by YouTube tutorials, you fireplace up an AI chatbot and have it write the code for you.

This AI-driven strategy to inventive coding has exploded in recognition over the previous 12 months or two—mainly as a result of it really works. Persons are constructing genuinely helpful stuff with out even realizing what a variable is. I’ve been vibe coding my very own apps with AI and I’m completely loving it, regardless of being a relative beginner to coding.

However most recommendation about AI-assisted programming nonetheless assumes you wish to grow to be a “actual” programmer ultimately. Due to that, the recommendation tends to steer you in direction of skilled instruments which can be overkill for easy tasks. You want a special—simpler—strategy.

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Right here’s what you really want to start out vibe coding your individual stuff proper now, with none of the BS that solely complicates issues.

Use an AI chatbot, not an AI-assisted IDE

Your first intuition is perhaps to make use of an AI-assisted built-in growth atmosphere (IDE), one that you simply’ve heard is sweet for vibe coding, like Windsurf, Cursor, and even Claude Code (which technically isn’t an IDE, however that’s moreover the purpose). All of those instruments are constructed for AI coding, in order that they’re the perfect place to start out, proper?

Nicely… no. These instruments are designed to make extremely productive programmers much more productive, and which means they assume a degree of data that newbie coders—such as you and me—lack. Diving into these applications right away is prone to go away you confused and discouraged.

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Windsurf-AI-code-editor-screenshot.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="Windsurf AI code editor screenshot" class="wp-image-2815100" loading="lazy"/> An AI-driven code editor may be highly effective, however it’s overkill for an newbie vibe coder. This one begins at $15 monthly after a two-week trial. Windsurf

To not point out that AI-powered IDEs are fairly darn costly, too. Whereas most supply a little bit of free use, it’s simple for even uber-casual vibe coders to search out themselves in want of a paid plan. Many such IDEs cost based mostly on utilization as an alternative of a flat month-to-month price, too.

As an newbie vibe coder, you’re higher off utilizing an AI chatbot. The draw back right here is that you simply’ll have to copy-paste code forwards and backwards between the chatbot and your code editor. It’s a little bit of a nuisance, however it’s not too dangerous in case your venture is small.

Select your AI chatbot rigorously

With regards to AI chatbots with programming proficiency, there are a number of you may select from. All the in style ones are ok to get began, besides, I've a pair suggestions.

Don’t wish to spend a dime? Attempt Google’s AI Studio. This chronically under-appreciated AI instrument supplies free and successfully limitless entry to Google’s newest Gemini Professional fashions, which many take into account the perfect within the enterprise with out paying a cent.

Google AI Studio does have just a few downsides. Google will practice in your knowledge (most paid providers promise they don’t), the interface isn’t the perfect, and there’s no desktop or cell model. None of those are severe obstacles for newbie vibe coding, although.

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AI-vibe-coded-Claude-data-visualization-screenshot.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="AI vibe coded Claude data visualization screenshot" class="wp-image-2814462" loading="lazy"/> A screenshot of a fast knowledge visualization instrument I created utilizing Claude. Matt Smith / Foundry

However in case you’re keen to pay a bit and need a gorgeous interface with desktop and cell apps, I like to recommend Anthropic’s Claude Opus.

I like Claude’s Artifacts characteristic, which breaks code out in a separate interface pane. It may possibly even execute some code (like HTML or JavaScript) to supply a preview in Claude itself, and you may obtain code to your PC from this pane. Rivals have emulated it with related options, however I feel Anthropic’s implementation stays the perfect.

Stick with in style programming languages

Selecting a programming language is a serious impediment for each newbie and skilled programmers. There are a whole lot to select from, dozens of them are mature, and promoters of every are inclined to have sturdy opinions, so it’s simple to fall into evaluation paralysis.

With regards to vibe coding, although, I like to recommend that you simply persist with languages which can be each in style and forgiving. Which means the standard suspects of JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, HTML, and maybe C# in case you’re feeling saucy. AI does finest with these languages as a result of AI fashions are educated on knowledge from throughout the online. The extra in style the language, the extra examples there are to coach on—and the extra supply knowledge to work with, the higher the generative outcomes.

As for a way forgiving a selected language is, it’s an vital side to think about since you’ll be faster to get a program up and operating even when it has bugs. Some languages, like Rust and C++, have strict syntax and architectural calls for that may be a nightmare to debug.

Veteran coders are prone to recoil on the thought of willingly accepting bugs in a program, however for novices, it’s higher to have a buggy-yet-functional program than a program that was deserted as a result of it by no means labored.

Alternatively, you possibly can let the AI select your language for you. Describe this system you wish to create and ask the chatbot to make it in no matter language appears most applicable.

Select a easy code editor

After getting a chatbot and coding language picked, you’ll want to decide on the software program you employ to edit code.

Chances are you'll really feel pushed in direction of a full-blown programming IDE like Visible Studio, which is admittedly highly effective however, once more, designed for individuals who have some information of programming. For informal vibe coding, I like to recommend an easier code editor like Notepad++, Elegant Textual content, or UltraEdit. (My bias is in direction of Notepad++.)

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Code editors lack the great terminal, debugging, and distant growth options discovered in lots of IDEs. Nevertheless, code editors nonetheless present a quick, purposeful, and approachable interface that appears extra just like the barebones textual content editors you’ve possible used (e.g., Notepad), and so they nonetheless present useful options like code auto-completion.

Suppose small (and reinvent the wheel)

Scope creep is a standard drawback that every one programmers face, and it might cease you chilly. Large tasks are tougher than small tasks, and vibe coding grows tougher as the dimensions of a venture will increase.

So whereas it is perhaps tempting to strive vibe coding your technique to a full-blown 3D recreation or world-class accounting software program, you would possibly wish to maintain your horses and begin small. Very small.

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AI-vibe-coded-Claude-enhancements-to-TTRPG-tool-screenshot.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="AI vibe coded Claude enhancements to TTRPG tool screenshot" class="wp-image-2814460" loading="lazy"/> A screenshot of me asking Claude about some enhancements to my tabletop recreation internet app, which is comparatively easy and small in scope. Matt Smith / Foundry

Listed below are some nice entry-level venture examples for vibe coding:

Python scripts that automate particular duties, like scraping internet pages for knowledge or filtering paperwork by varied standards.

A single-page private web site or app in HTML and JavaScript.

A single-feature app programmed in Python or C#.

My first vibe-coded venture was a dice-rolling instrument with text-to-speech functionality for the tabletop technique recreation Battletech. It may possibly roll cube and announce the outcomes of a roll, dashing up play. I additionally vibe-coded my very own private web site, a single web page of HTML with some JavaScript.

Use AI to troubleshoot points, reply questions, and generate documentation

You is perhaps stunned by how rapidly AI might help you vibe code primary instruments and applications. It’s really easy to come out a fast Python script, chances are you'll end up doing it a number of instances a day at one level.

Nevertheless, heavy reliance on vibe-coded tasks can result in one other drawback: shedding observe of how every script and program works, and changing into confused by dependencies.

For instance, Python applications usually don’t work proper out of the field. You’ll want to put in Python in addition to the assorted libraries which can be used to perform various things in a script. Not solely do you need to determine that out, however in case you ever transfer to a different laptop, you’ll additionally must arrange Python and people dependencies on that laptop as effectively.

Happily, AI is nice at fixing this drawback. Simply ask and it’ll give you directions on the right way to set up a brand new programming language and any associated libraries in your laptop. It will usually contain a handful of command-line prompts.

I additionally advocate ending each vibe coding session by asking the AI to create documentation that teaches new customers the right way to use the generated program. And while you use AI to change current scripts or applications, it’s a good suggestion to ask for a changelog of every little thing it does. Documentation will allow you to bear in mind how your program works and allow you to get it working while you change computer systems.

Decide up Arduino and/or Raspberry Pi

Python scripts and internet pages may be helpful, however they lack pizzazz… and that may be discouraging for any new vibe coder. If you wish to strive programming one thing that feels extra tangible and thrilling, then I like to recommend selecting up an Arduino and/or Raspberry Pi.

Going this route is prone to improve your beginning prices and can make your vibe coding journey extra difficult. You’ll want to purchase some {hardware} and most certainly a soldering iron. You’re additionally going to wish to choose up some expertise that AI can’t assist with, like soldering.

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Raspberry-Pi-Pico-2-W.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W" class="wp-image-2532974" loading="lazy"/> A Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W attached and able to tinker with. Raspberry Pi

Whereas you should utilize AI to counsel Arduino and/or Raspberry Pi tasks, I like to recommend selecting a tutorial that already exists, like this Raspberry Pi Pico W climate station by ExplainingComputers. The tutorial explains the fundamentals, after all, however the AI chatbot can additional clarify ideas that you simply don’t fairly perceive and deal with edge circumstances.

For instance, I had a special temperature sensor than the one within the tutorial, so I needed to wire it in another way than the way it was proven and make modifications to the code to establish my sensor. With the assistance of AI, I used to be capable of make the required modifications in simply quarter-hour.

Additional studying: Sensible Raspberry Pi tasks anybody can do

PROMOTION

Launch in minutes by vibe coding

Flip your concepts into actuality with Hostinger Horizons. Construct internet apps, web sites, and customized instruments by chatting with the AI – no coding required. Get every little thing you should launch and develop together with webhosting, area administration and electronic mail.