I'm incapable of vibe-coding. I keep trying to do it and end up elbows deep in the code-base after one or two commits.
I have no idea how anyone can stand it.
Discussion
I just don't know why you are looking at an AI's code. Either code it or don't even look at it. Nothing good comes from looking at the AI code.
Everyone is like, Oh, it's so fun! but it's more like Chinese water torture, or something.
How do you vibe-code and not go completely mad?
It’s easy when you don’t know how to code in the slightest
There's a bunch of layers to it.
A) including the best documentation and code examples within your project and referencing them for the AI when needed
B) if you aren't a Git wizard, I find its best to checkpoint the project essentially between context windows, which can be pretty inconsistent. Archive the best project results and you'll likely come back to them later, if not just to recycle some small features.
C) Ultimately YMMV based on your own skillset and goals. What you want to accomplish within a prompt will be entirely dependent on the LLM's ability to continue making changes to the entire system. If your prompts are demanding too much- you'll likely get additional hallucinations or totally derail yourself.
Software is still a collection of working pieces, so you have to flesh out each piece. And each piece is a learning experience if you haven't already mastered it.
Patience and distracting yourself while it works is a good help.
No it isn't fun. It is like trying to build a boat, but you can't touch the tools, all you can do is give instructions to your 5 year old.
I’ve been using it to teach me things I’ve never thought of, or solutions to problems that I would hope a senior dev would be able teach. As someone that has never been able to acquire a paid position, it’s been helpful for implementing some solutions.
Though I don’t commit a single line of code the LLM produces without understanding what/why/how the code works. I’ve been super adamant that it doesn’t give me code that I can’t actually write a test for also. It’s slower than just slamming some ASCII Doom clone through, but - I hope - doesn’t have me punching myself in the face in two years.
Yeah, it's slower, but it gets faster, as you get familiar with the syntax.
But, it's like with Bismarck and the sausage factory: you're happier eating the sausage, if you don't watch it being made.
i'm the same way, trying to do more with AI 🦾🤖