Vibe Coding Efficiently

In AI-assisted or “vibe” coding, the biggest challenge isn’t writing code — it’s managing the overwhelming volume of AI-generated output. The agent can produce hundreds of lines in seconds, often more than any human can or should read. To stay efficient, shift your workflow from reading to validating and structuring.

Test Before You Read

When the AI outputs code, don’t waste time trying to understand every line. First, run or write tests. The test result is your compass — if it fails, there’s no need to analyze broken logic. The goal isn’t to appreciate the code, but to confirm whether it behaves as intended.

Read Only the Structure

Once the tests pass, zoom out. Skim through the file tree, class names, and function signatures. Focus on how the AI organized the code, not what each function does. Understanding structure gives you the fastest path to spotting design issues or improvement opportunities.

Decompose Complexity

If the AI’s output feels tangled or too large to follow, that’s a sign it needs decomposition. Split large chunks into smaller, named modules. This step both improves clarity and teaches the AI how to organize future generations.

Refine the Feedback Loop

The process should become cyclic: generate → test → inspect structure → modularize → regenerate. The tighter the loop, the faster your AI coding sessions evolve from chaos to clarity.

In vibe coding, efficiency comes not from reading every line, but from orchestrating the interaction between AI generation and human validation. The key is to act as the director, not the typist — testing for correctness, curating for clarity, and shaping structure for the next iteration.