I consider myself lucky to have started as a software developer before AI exploded onto the scene. Back then, writing code was everything: hours in front of the computer, wrestling with problems where a single wrong line could break everything. Now, everything has changed. AI is here, and the way I write code is no longer the same.

Vibe coding is a concept that emerged in this context. I just need an idea, use AI to generate code, and then refine it. I no longer have the burden of writing everything from scratch. Instead, I can focus on ideas and creativity. It feels like holding a powerful new tool and asking myself, "What can I do with this?"

Before, solving a complex problem could take hours, sometimes days. Now, AI helps me get through that part quickly. I generate code, review it, fix it, and move on. This not only saves time but opens space for real creativity. AI is like a treasure trove of knowledge and tools, letting me experiment, debug, and explore solutions I would never have imagined. Vibe coding is not magic, but it’s a way to leverage that power.

Yet speed does not equal stability or sustainability. I’ve noticed that new engineers, if they use AI correctly, can achieve their goals. Abuse it, and they make things harder for themselves. I used to write every line carefully, checking each function, each interaction in the entire codebase. Now, AI writes most of it, but quality and long-term maintainability do not automatically follow. Some generated code is so complex I barely understand it, and that’s when I realize that speed isn’t always the top priority.

I still keep some old habits: start from an idea, research thoroughly, pick appropriate designs, and continuously improve the code to ensure sustainability and scalability. I consult experts when necessary, attend workshops to stay up to date, share knowledge, and experiment with new technologies. With AI, the way I work changes, but the fundamental principle remains: understanding what I write and why I write it.

I’m also learning Japanese. I’ve been at it for four months. AI helps, but it doesn’t replace daily patience and practice. Learning vocabulary, grammar, and speaking with native speakers is the real way to progress. AI is just a tool, not a magic hand. Without effort, I won’t learn anything.

Vibe coding is fast, powerful, and tempting. But I worry about its hidden costs. First, technical debt. AI-generated code often has inconsistent structure, minimal comments, and poor documentation. It’s fast, but one day I will face a mountain of code that is hard to understand and extend.

Then there’s lack of clarity and precision. Vibe coding doesn’t help define behaviors carefully. It bypasses the rigorous design and planning that traditional software engineering demands. I can get results quickly, but do I really understand how it works? I doubt it.

Security risks are another concern. When I don’t fully understand AI-generated code, vulnerabilities can appear unnoticed. A tiny error in thousands of lines could have serious consequences.

Lack of accountability is also an issue. When code comes from AI, it’s hard to hold anyone responsible for mistakes. I have to ask myself: am I hiding my lack of understanding behind quick and polished code?

Finally, human review overload worries me. In large projects, the sheer volume of AI-generated code can become unmanageable. Subtle bugs or complex interactions might be missed, only surfacing when the software is in production.

Vibe coding is a powerful tool, but it’s a double-edged sword. I realize speed and convenience cannot replace deep understanding, judgment, and personal responsibility. If I want to be an excellent programmer, I must balance AI’s power with my own accountability.

Ultimately, with vibe coding, the important thing isn’t speed or tools. It’s what I understand, what I create with my own hands, and the passion I put into my work. Like a musician with an instrument: if I don’t touch the instrument every day, I will never become a real musician. Passion, patience, and deep focus are what let me excel beyond anyone else, no matter how technology changes.

Vibe coding offers speed, joy, and creative power. But it also raises questions: do I truly understand what I’m writing? Am I learning enough to take responsibility for what I create? I think only when I can answer these questions can AI become an ally rather than a trap.