What exactly is vibe coding?
An idea emerges during a meeting. We wonder if it could become a new tool, an internal automation process, or even a new service offering. Rather than launching a lengthy planning process, someone opens an artificial intelligence tool, generates an initial structure, and begins testing. A few days later, we have a prototype.
That’s vibe coding. An intuitive, accelerated approach to development, made possible by AI. We move quickly to see if the concept holds up, and then we adjust.
And honestly, that’s a good thing.
This allows to:
- See an idea take shape quickly
- Test a new service without tying up a team for weeks
- Automate an internal process to see if it is worthwhile
- Validate a real need before investing further
But there is an important distinction: just because it works does not mean it is ready.
Why is it so appealing?
AI has changed pace. That is undeniable. Today, over 90% of developers use AI in their daily work, and several studies report productivity gains of around 30%.
What this means for a company is simple: more ideas can be tested more quickly.
Instead of debating for weeks, we build a first version and see how it turns out. In a context where decisions must be made quickly, this is a real advantage.
The problem is not the speed. The problem is what happens afterwards.
When testing becomes a core tool
A prototype has a clear purpose: to explore. But sometimes, it starts to be used every day. By several employees. With real customer data.
And then, without really realizing it, we are no longer in a test phase. We are in something that supports the company.
Now is the time to ask yourself some questions:
- Is the data well protected?
- Are the access points clear and well-organized?
- Can the solution scale up if usage increases?
- Can anyone keep it going without breaking everything?
These aspects are often hidden at first, but they are what determine whether a solution will evolve with the company or slow it down.
The real risk of vibe coding
Vibe coding is not a problem. On the contrary, it promotes innovation.
The risk arises when a prototype is allowed to become permanent.
We often see it:
- A rapidly developed tool becomes essential to operations
- Sensitive data is added to it over time.
- More and more people are using it.
- No one dares to touch it because “it works”.
It is not a lack of competence.
It is simply the result of an idea that worked well.
But without structure around it, this initial speed can turn into technical debt. And correcting it later almost always costs more than structuring it at the right time.
How to know if this applies to you
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have a ‘temporary’ tool that is still there a year later?
- Does nobody want to touch it for fear of breaking something?
- Is access shared informally?
- Does the solution work, but its limitations are unclear?
If so, that’s normal. It happens in almost all companies that innovate rapidly.
The important thing is not to avoid vibe coding.
It is about recognizing when it is time to move on to the next stage.
Explore quickly, consolidate at the right time
Vibe coding is an excellent starting point. It allows you to clarify an idea, test a hypothesis, and quickly see whether a concept is worth pursuing further.
But when the solution begins to take up space in the organisation, it is necessary to change one’s approach.
Structuring means:
- Reviewing architecture so that it can evolve
- Streamlining access management
- Ensure that data is properly protected
- Clean up and organise the code so that it is maintainable.
- Plan the next steps based on business objectives
It’s not slowing down.
It means building to last.
AI helps you move quickly.
An experienced team helps you go far.
Conclusion: transforming a test into a real asset
Companies are encouraged to experiment. To use AI. To build prototypes. It’s healthy, it’s modern, and it’s strategic.
But when a tool starts to support your operations or touch important data, it deserves more than just “working test” status.
This is often when our role comes into play.
Not to start all over again.
Not to complicate things unnecessarily.
But to take what has been validated and transform it into a robust, secure solution that is ready to evolve with your business.
A prototype is proof that the idea is good.
A solid structure is what allows the idea to endure.
