What is vibe coding, and why do companies want it?
Vibe coding is a method of software development in which developers use artificial intelligence tools to write code, generate tests, create documentation, design user interfaces, or prepare data models.
Managers are drawn to this approach for obvious reasons: it significantly accelerates work and reduces the cost of prototypes. Many imagine that they can “build a house over the weekend.” However, just as with building a real house, the foundations and procedures are crucial.
Without experience and a well-thought-out plan, a quick start will later turn into expensive rework. And nobody wants that.
Škoda Auto: from a prototype in minutes to a “nightmare”
Škoda Auto has deployed vibe coding this year for rapid prototyping of internal solutions. According to Tomáš Barczi, who holds the position of AI Methodology Lead at the company, this technology enables Škoda to “build an application in a few minutes.”
At first glance, it appears quite appealing. Fast prototypes, instant visualisation of ideas, demonstrations of features for management in a matter of hours instead of weeks. However, in his lectures, Barczi also speaks openly about the other side of the coin.
“Vibe coding represents an incredible shift for prototyping, but sometimes it can also be a nightmare,” admits the expert from Škoda Auto. The company has found that the transition from rapid prototyping to production code presents numerous challenges, including complex code, maintenance issues, and intricate testing.
Škoda is now addressing fundamental questions: when to keep AI code and when to rewrite it manually, how to prevent apparent acceleration from turning into deceleration, and above all, “would you get into a car that was programmed using vibe coding?”
The experience of the Mladá Boleslav-based car manufacturer shows that vibe coding is not a universal solution, but a powerful tool that requires a thoughtful approach.
Where vibe coding collides with reality
At first glance, vibe coding is a magic wand for many development problems. However, practice shows something else.
The technology debt is growing faster than you think
AI often generates code that works but is difficult to maintain and unoptimized. Over time, repairs become more expensive than creating a new solution from scratch.
Think of it as building a house on uneven foundations. It stands for a while, but every subsequent modification is a pain and costs more than if you had done it right the first time.
Security holes you don’t know about
AI can generate code that appears to run perfectly at first glance, but it often has weaknesses. When such code is deployed into production, it compromises the entire application and its users.
Security flaws in AI-generated code are more common than you might think. For example, it was recently discovered that AI tools can generate SQL injection vulnerabilities or insecure API interfaces. Such problems require quick action, costly solutions, and can damage a company’s reputation.
Data leaks are a real threat
Public AI services can store or analyse uploaded data. In the case of personal data or trade secrets, this constitutes a violation of the GDPR and may result in substantial fines.
Additionally, the European AI Act introduces new obligations that will take effect gradually from 2025. Ignoring them is not an option.
Regulated industries have their own specifics
Banking, healthcare, and insurance have strict requirements for auditability and security. Chaotic deployment of vibe coding can cause your product to fail to meet these conditions. And that means problems with the regulator.
Documentation? It writes itself…
It doesn’t. If you don’t keep careful records from the beginning, maintenance and project handover will become a nightmare. New developers struggle to navigate the code, and experienced ones often forget why they made certain decisions.
A false sense of savings
At first, vibe coding seems cheaper and faster. But without order, it becomes costly over time. It’s like buying a cheap car without service. Great for the first year, but the costs start to skyrocket thereafter.
How to tell if you have a problem
The signs that something is wrong are usually clear. Just look. The system is crashing more frequently than before, which frustrates both users and your team. Even your most experienced senior developer, who usually can handle everything, can no longer navigate the code. Security incidents start to multiply, and you spend more time solving them than developing.
Another warning sign is metrics that are going in the wrong direction. The number of errors per thousand lines of code is growing, the time needed to fix them is increasing, and the frequency of new version deployments is decreasing. The worst thing is when you find that you are spending more time fixing old code than developing new features. That’s when you really have a problem.
If you recognise yourself in this description, at least partially, it’s time to take action. The sooner you bring in an experienced team, the sooner the project will get back on track and become more cost-effective.
The three biggest myths about vibe coding
Myth 1: AI writes everything itself. Reality: AI tools can generate functional code, but they require human oversight. Without it, you’ll get code that works until it doesn’t. And then you have a problem.
Myth 2: You don’t need to understand code. Reality: It’s precisely the opposite. The better a developer understands the structure and logic of code, the more effectively they can use AI. Without a knowledge of the basics, they become a passive operator who cannot detect errors or suboptimal solutions.
Myth 3: Vibe coding = savings on developers. Reality: If you deploy AI without thought and strategy, the costs of repairs and maintenance will exceed the original budget. Vibe coding is not a replacement for people, but a tool for better results in less time.
Practical guide: 5 steps to safe deployment
The first step is to set clear rules. Before you start vibe coding, you need to determine which tools are allowed in the company, how they will be used, and who is responsible for them. It’s like traffic rules—without them, chaos would reign on the roads. Clear rules prevent every developer from doing whatever they want and minimise security risks.
The second step is to create a secure testing environment. Never, ever develop directly on production. Use anonymised or synthetic data for AI training and experimentation. It’s like learning to drive a car. You train on an empty parking lot first, not right away in rush hour traffic on the highway.
The third step is quality control from the very beginning. Every piece of code generated by AI must undergo human review and verification. Automated tests and careful code reviews catch errors before they reach production and cause damage. It’s like checking your brakes before driving.
The fourth step requires thorough documentation. Record versions, changes, and the reasons for all decisions. It may seem like unnecessary administration, but documentation is your safety net. Without it, even a minor fix can become a significant problem when, six months later, no one remembers why the code was written that way.
The fifth step is to connect AI prototypes with professional development. A prototype created using vibe coding is a great start, but it is not the final product. For it to work reliably in the long term, it must undergo careful modification and integration into a robust corporate system. It’s like the difference between a mock-up and the actual product.
Which tools to choose
An overview of the most commonly used tools for vibe coding:
- Cursor – A development environment with deeply integrated AI that will be appreciated especially by experienced developers. It allows you to quickly write and edit code with the help of an AI assistant that understands the context of the entire project.
- GitHub Copilot – An AI assistant right in your favourite editor. Great for suggesting solutions and providing automatic code completion. It learns from your writing style and becomes more useful over time.
- Replit – An online platform for team collaboration and rapid prototyping. It allows you to work on a project from anywhere and instantly share the results with your colleagues.
- Lovable – Excels at rapid web application development. It can create a functional website foundation in a matter of hours.
- Windsurf – Ideal for multilingual projects or complex code bases.
- Claude Code – Conversational approach, generates and corrects code based on natural language.
AI Act: why address it now
The European AI Act came into force in August 2024. The first obligations took effect in February 2025, with additional ones added in August 2025, and further commitments are expected to follow in subsequent years (more information can be found on the website of the Czech Artificial Intelligence Association).
The fines are no joke: violations can result in penalties of up to €35 million or 7% of global turnover. Systems in high-risk categories, which may include some vibe coding tools in regulated industries, are subject to strict requirements for transparency, documentation, and human oversight.
Vibe coding may seem like an internal matter, but in banking, healthcare, or insurance, it may fall under regulated activities. Start documenting your use of AI tools now.
ROI: when vibe coding makes money and when it loses money
The numbers speak for themselves. When appropriately managed, vibe coding can reduce development time by 30 to 50 per cent. For a project with a $5 million budget, that means millions in savings.
On the other hand, chaotic deployment without rules leads to rework costing 150 to 200 per cent of the original budget. The difference between success and disaster? Processes and oversight.
What’s next for vibe coding in your company
Vibe coding has the potential to change the way software is developed. You can start with small experiments on non-critical projects—choose one tool, set basic rules, and monitor the results.
If the experiments show positive results, you can gradually expand the use of AI to other projects. Especially in regulated industries, it pays to consult with an experienced partner who can combine the creativity of AI tools with quality architecture and processes.
Want to know if your project is ready for vibe coding? Contact us, and together we will find the best solution for your company.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What exactly is vibe coding?
A method of software development in which developers actively use AI tools to generate code, tests, documentation, and other parts of the application.
Is vibe coding suitable for every company?
It is suitable for companies that want to speed up development and reduce prototyping costs. Regulated industries, such as banking and healthcare, must be particularly cautious.
What are the most significant risks of vibe coding?
Technical debt, security vulnerabilities, sensitive data leaks, legislative issues, and false savings that later turn into expensive repairs.
How much can vibe coding save?
When deployed correctly, it can save 30-50% of development time. Without proper management, however, it can lead to costs of up to 200% of the original budget.
Do developers still need to understand code?
Absolutely. The better a developer understands code, the more effectively they can use AI. Without a knowledge of the basics, they will not be able to detect errors or suboptimal solutions.
How to prepare for the AI Act?
Document the use of AI tools, ensure process transparency, and maintain human oversight. The first obligations came into effect in February 2025.
Which AI tools are the best?
Cursor for experienced developers, GitHub Copilot for code completion, Replit for team collaboration. It is crucial to choose a tool that suits your team.
Can we handle vibe coding ourselves?
Basic experiments, yes, but for production deployment in an enterprise environment, we recommend working with an experienced partner.
