How to "Vibe Code": 6 Methods I Use to Build Software Faster with AI Tools

Recently Andrej Karpathy posted on X about "vibe coding": creating software using AI-coding tools and voice-to-text. This approach extends "software composing"—a term I first heard from Riley Brown and Greg Eisenberg—which emphasizes using AI tools to create software with minimal manual coding. While much easier than traditional software development, mastering these tools requires understanding key methods and habits to maximize their potential.

Here are the 6 methods I use to build faster with AI tools:

1. Master Prompting
   Think of AI as a new team member needing precise instructions. Structure prompts with clear goals, comprehensive context, and specific technical requirements. Effective prompting forms the foundation of AI-assisted development.

2. Create detailed Product Documentation
   Create detailed product requirements before touching coding tools or starting the build. Specify features, user flows, and interface details in markdown format. Front-load planning to prevent scope creep. Clear documentation transforms abstract ideas into buildable specifications and saves time.

3. UI-First Approach
   Create UI "mockups" with exportable code using tools like V0 or Lovable before core feature development. Test user experiences early and validate design decisions quickly. Early visualization catches issues before they become costly.

4. Use an AI-IDE for core feature development
   Use an AI-IDE like Windsurf or Cursor to tackle the heavy lifting of the project. This is where the real "vibe coding" sessions will occur. Connect your planning with execution. Leverage your prompts, documentation, and UI mockups to accelerate development in the IDE.

5. Implement a Voice Workflow
   Implement tools like SuperWhisper or TalkTastic for rapid spoken ideation. You will quickly forget about your keyboard. Convert spoken concepts into structured prompts, using chat models to summarize long monologues if needed. Voice tools bridge the gap between thinking and building.

6. Exercise Patience
   Success in AI-enabled development comes from combining these methods with patience and persistence. While these tools accelerate development dramatically, building complex software takes effort and thoughtful application to ensure you build exactly what you envision.

Now go build something extraordinary.