In brief:
Vibe coding is a way to build a working tool with AI by describing what you want to create in plain language. You focus on the outcome, the AI handles the code. Useful for quick prototypes and internal tools with limited sensitivity, but be cautious with personal data and long-term use; expert support is needed for those cases.
What is vibe coding?
Vibe coding is an application within generative AI tools. It is a method of software development where you describe in plain language what you want to build. AI then converts this into working code and a preview of the tool. You don’t need to program yourself. The name refers to the approach: you follow the feeling of what you want to create, describe it in words, and let the AI handle the technical part. You focus on the outcome, not on the code.
What applications exist in the cultural sector?
Websites, apps, forms, checklists, surveys, dashboards—you name it, you can build it with AI. Thinking of the cultural sector, here are a few examples:
An internal scheduling tool for the technical staff and cast of a theater company.
An interactive map of locations and programs at a festival.
A digital quiz as part of an educational program, fully tailored to the target audience.
A registration form for an activity.
A summary page for a one-time guest program, without relying on the website administrator.
What does DEN do with vibe coding?
At DEN, we are also active in vibe coding. For example, we recently assessed the knowledge level of employees regarding DEN's AI policy through an interactive and light-hearted quiz. All employees completed this during a team meeting and received an individual score. Not to reprimand, but as a playful reminder of the agreements we made.
Additionally, we recently created a concept for an AI maturity check. We gathered information on how to implement AI in your organization and transformed it into an interactive, personalized tool. We are now exploring how to further develop and publish this with a focus on data security.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of vibe coding?
The advantages
The entry barrier is lowShow explanationHide explanation
Vibe coding allows you to experiment quickly and cheaply, without relying on an external developer. Ideas that you previously couldn’t realize are now within reach.
Abstract ideas become concrete and testableShow explanationHide explanation
You can quickly develop a working demo of an idea to test it with your target audience, convince your board, or show your developer what your requirements are.
It saves timeShow explanationHide explanation
You can focus all your attention on the problem you want to solve and the user experience. You save a lot of time because you don’t have to write perfect code.
You learn quickly from AI explanationsShow explanationHide explanation
AI can also explain the code it has generated. This allows you to learn and improve quickly.
The disadvantages and risks
The code can still contain errorsShow explanationHide explanation
The code generated by AI often contains more errors and security issues than handwritten code. As AI models improve, fewer errors occur. Always have a developer or IT advisor review the code before publishing.
The quality is less predictableShow explanationHide explanation
AI sometimes makes assumptions or creates functional but inefficient solutions.
The code is not optimized for maintenance or long-term useShow explanationHide explanation
The code is optimized for a working product, not for maintenance and long-term use.
You face privacy and security risksShow explanationHide explanation
Many tools run on foreign commercial platforms: never process personal data or sensitive organizational information due to security risks.
You face environmental impact from data centersShow explanationHide explanation
The more complex and larger the tool you build, the greater the environmental impact of the data centers.
Hosting the tool involves costsShow explanationHide explanation
A tool you’ve built needs to be hosted somewhere, which can incur some costs.
When should you use vibe coding, and when not?
Vibe coding is most valuable for quickly trying out an idea before investing in a full-fledged solution: building prototypes and concepts, internal tools with limited sensitivity, and temporary or experimental applications.
Don’t use it yet or be extra careful with public applications, applications that work with personal data, or systems that you want to use long-term (without technical support).
From insight to outcome
As mentioned earlier: You focus on the outcome, not on the code. But what does that mean? The better you know what you want to achieve, for whom, and with what purpose, the better the result. This applies to every prompt but is even more important with vibe coding. Because with code, you can go in any direction.
You must therefore clearly understand the problem you want to solve. Your knowledge is essential for this. Because no one knows your organization’s target audience better than you. And no one knows better which fields are missing in a planning tool than you. And no one knows better than you which data is discussed monthly in the management team meeting.
With vibe coding, you can turn this knowledge into something useful without making a significant investment. Ready to get started? Then read this practical guide (opens in new tab).
Want to experiment further with vibe coding?
DEN is organizing two activities this fall that will cover vibe coding. Want to learn vibe coding yourself under guidance? Join the workshop Advanced AI (opens in new tab).
Have a good idea but prefer to leave tool building to experts? Then join the hackathon (opens in new tab).
Frequently asked questions
Is vibe coding safe for personal data?Show explanationHide explanation
No. Many vibe coding tools run on foreign commercial platforms. Never process personal data or sensitive organizational information within these, and have an IT advisor review before publishing a tool with sensitive data.
Do I still need a developer if I use vibe coding?Show explanationHide explanation
Often not for a prototype or internal tool. If you want to publish a tool for your audience or use it long-term, always have a developer or IT advisor review the quality and security.
What does it cost to host a vibe-coded tool?Show explanationHide explanation
This varies by platform and tool, but expect ongoing hosting costs once you want to use a tool structurally.
Verder experimenteren met vibe coding?
DEN organiseert dit najaar twee activiteiten waarin vibe coding aan bod komen. Wil je onder begeleiding zelf leren vibe coden? Sluit dan aan bij de workshop Verdieping in AI.
Heb je een goed idee maar wil je het bouwen van een tool liever aan experts overlaten? Sluit dan aan bij de hackathon.
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