The beginner's guide to vibe coding

In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, vibe coding has emerged as an exciting new way to create applications using simple language. Coined by Andrej Karpathy, an early member of OpenAI, vibe coding empowers users—regardless of their technical background—to engage with AI in building apps and tools. As we step into 2026, the buzz around vibe coding is palpable. Social media platforms are filled with individuals proudly showcasing their AI-generated creations, from children to seniors. Major tech companies are even revealing how much of their code is generated by AI, with some boasting impressive figures that capture the public's attention. Here at Business Insider, we’ve experimented with various AI coding platforms such as Claude Code, Lovable, and Cursor, generating everything from personal fitness applications to unique creative tools. However, diving into vibe coding can be challenging for newcomers. If you’re curious about getting started, don’t worry; we have a straightforward guide to help you navigate this exciting landscape. First, it’s essential to choose the right platform. Many services offer daily free credits for users to explore. For those new to coding, Lovable, Base44, and Replit provide user-friendly interfaces, while more experienced coders may find Claude Code and Cursor to be better options. For this guide, I selected Lovable to illustrate the process. With a goal of monitoring my subscription expenses, I decided to create a subscription tracker—a simple yet effective application for vibe coding. The journey begins with crafting the perfect prompt. The quality of the AI's output hinges on the detail provided in your instructions. To kick things off, I used ChatGPT to generate a prompt for the subscription tracker. The detailed response I received helped significantly in creating a solid first draft, ensuring I didn’t waste my precious credits on unnecessary modifications. Once you paste the AI-generated prompt into the tool, hit 'build', and wait a moment for your application to materialize. While the initial design may not always meet your expectations—mine appeared quite basic—there’s always room for enhancement. Modifying prompts is akin to guiding an intern on how to improve the project. Detailed instructions like "Change the colors to something more vibrant" can lead to a more appealing design. After regenerating my app with some tweaks, I was delighted with the transformation; it was now colorful and engaging, featuring options to add subscriptions and categorize expenses. Finally, once you’re satisfied with your creation, simply hit publish and enjoy the results of your creativity and the AI's assistance. However, bear in mind that each interaction costs credits, and managing these efficiently is crucial. Switching between planning and building modes can help conserve your daily allowance. If you do run out of credits, patience is key, or you can opt for a subscription plan to gain additional credits. The world of vibe coding awaits—let your creativity flow and share your creations with others. Happy coding!