Lesson 1. What is Vibe Coding? Concept, tools, and getting started
If you've been searching for 'what is vibe coding', 'programming with AI', or 'create a website without code', this lesson is for you. Since 2025, the world of development has changed radically: you can now describe an idea in words and get a finished program.
Topic breakdown
Vibe coding is a new way of creating software using artificial intelligence. In traditional programming, you write every line yourself. In vibe coding, you describe the task in natural language, and the AI model generates the code.
This term was introduced by the former director of OpenAI and head of AI at Tesla, Andrej Karpathy, in February 2025. He wrote: 'I don't even look at the code, I trust the vibe, check the result, and if it works — I continue.' This tweet gained 4 million views and started a new trend.
There are two main tools for vibe coding: Cursor AI (a standalone code editor based on VS Code) and GitHub Copilot (a plugin for VS Code). Both are based on LLM (Large Language Model) technology and understand your project's context.
In this course, you will learn how to work with both tools, write effective prompts, and build real projects. No programming experience is required — all you need is a computer, internet access, and a desire to learn.
What you'll learn
- Understand the concept of vibe coding and how it differs from traditional programming
- Know the core features of Cursor AI and GitHub Copilot
- Understand the advantages and limitations of programming with AI
- Be able to generate your first simple code using AI
- Know the significance of vibe coding in the context of the '5 Million AI Leaders' program
Deep dive
The term vibe coding appeared before AI coding tools became mainstream — GitHub Copilot was released in 2021. But until 2025, it was merely an assistant for professional developers. Karpathy's idea is different: now you can create full-fledged products without being a programmer. This is a paradigm shift — just as smartphones made photography accessible to everyone.
By 2026, the market for AI coding tools had grown rapidly: Cursor was valued at $50 billion, Copilot had 4.7 million paid users, and 84% of developers admitted to using AI tools. In the context of the 'Digital 2030' strategy, vibe coding is the most accessible and fastest path to tech creation.
Difference between traditional programming and vibe coding: with the traditional approach, you study for 6-12 months (syntax, algorithms, frameworks) before starting a project. With vibe coding, you create your first working program in 1-2 hours. Of course, knowledge of programming is necessary for complex systems — but for simple sites, bots, prototypes, and MVPs, vibe coding is enough.
Important limitations: AI can hallucinate (provide incorrect code), ignore security issues, and misunderstand complex business logic. Therefore, vibe coding = the 'trust, but verify' principle. You test the result, and if it doesn't work — you improve the prompt or explain the problem.
Ready prompt template
Copy and adaptI am a beginner developer and want to create a simple 'Hello, World' web page. Use HTML and CSS, put large text in the center of the page, and add a beautiful gradient background. The code should be clean and commented.
Why it works
Role: 'beginner developer' — AI adapts its response to your level
Task: 'simple Hello, World web page' — clear and simple goal
Technology: 'HTML and CSS' — AI knows which language to use
Requirements: 'large text, gradient, clean commented code' — visual and quality requirements
Practice
- Download and install Cursor AI from cursor.com (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
- Create a new folder and open it in Cursor
- In the Chat panel (Cmd+L / Ctrl+L), enter the prompt template above
- Save the generated code into an index.html file and open it in your browser
- Change the prompt (e.g., 'red background' -> 'blue background') and observe the difference in the result
Common mistakes
- Using a prompt that is too broad — instead of 'make a website', specifically describe what you need
- Accepting the AI's result without checking — always run and test the code
- Asking for something too complex all at once — work step by step
- Not providing context — explain to the AI who you are, your goal, and what result you expect
Lesson FAQ
Is it possible to create a real program using vibe coding?
Yes. Many startups have built MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) using only vibe coding. Simple websites, landing pages, Telegram bots, and CRUD applications can be built entirely with AI.
What language should I use to write prompts?
Cursor and Copilot work best in English, but they understand other languages too. We recommend using English for technical terms and descriptions for the best accuracy.
What are the computer requirements?
A regular computer is sufficient to run Cursor: 4GB RAM, internet access, and Windows/Mac/Linux. The AI computations happen in the cloud, so your computer doesn't need to be powerful.
Will vibe coding replace professional programmers?
Not yet. For complex systems (banking, medical, aviation), professional knowledge is required. But for simple projects, prototypes, and personal needs, vibe coding is completely sufficient.