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What is vibe coding? A beginner’s guide
Have an idea for a tool that could save you hours, but can't code? Vibe coding allows you to create custom apps simply by describing what you need. But to build reliable solutions, you need more than a single-try "one-shot" prompt. This guide covers vibe coding basics, a 3-step framework, practical workplace examples, and more to get you started.
August 11, 2026
6-minute read
August 11, 2026
6-minute read
What is vibe coding?
Vibe coding is the practice of using plain, everyday language to build functional applications with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Instead of spending months learning complex programming rules, you describe what you want the app to do, and the AI translates your words into code.
If you can describe it, you can build it. That’s the magic of vibe coding.
AMMAAR, PRODUCT DESIGN LEAD AT GOOGLE AI STUDIO
However, there’s a common misconception that vibe coding an app is just typing a single prompt like "make me a project tracker" and getting a finished, perfect product. In reality, relying on "vibes alone" can sometimes lead to challenges the moment you put your app to work. True vibe coding is a structured, iterative process where you provide the vision and AI handles the technical heavy lifting.
Do I need to know how to code to vibe code?
No, you do not need to know how to code. The AI model handles all of the actual code generation and technical assembly behind the scenes. Your role is simply to make the decisions and explain exactly how the tool should work. You can easily fix mistakes, change how things look, and make improvements without ever having to read or write a single line of code.
Adopting a "developer mindset" (without the code)
Vibe coding doesn't eliminate the need for a developer's logic; it simply translates it into conversational language. To succeed, you must adopt a developer mindset. This means instead of just asking AI a quick question and hoping for the best, you need to use more advanced prompting techniques and treat the process like a step-by-step project. Break big ideas into smaller pieces, think ahead about what might go wrong, and be ready to ask questions to figure out why something isn't working perfectly yet.
How to vibe code an app: The 3-step process
Experts at Google build shareable apps by following a three-step workflow: Plan, Test & Deploy.
1. Plan your app
It’s tempting to dive right into an AI tool and start building, but skipping the planning stage is the fastest way to waste time redoing work later. Before you generate any code, you need to use AI as a strategic thought partner.
In this phase, the goal is to map out exactly how someone will use your app from start to finish. You’ll need to uncover missing details, anticipate where things might go wrong, and compile a "Master Plan" document. This blueprint is what guarantees the AI builds exactly what you have in your head, rather than just guessing.
In this phase, the goal is to map out exactly how someone will use your app from start to finish. You’ll need to uncover missing details, anticipate where things might go wrong, and compile a "Master Plan" document. This blueprint is what guarantees the AI builds exactly what you have in your head, rather than just guessing.
2. Test and debug
A generated prototype is a working first draft, not a finished product. To turn it into a dependable tool, you must enter the testing phase.
This is where you play detective. When something breaks or looks messy, you'll need to know how to translate scary-looking error messages into plain English and use screenshots to guide the visual fixes. A crucial part of this step is learning how to intentionally try to break your own app—clicking things out of order or entering the wrong information—so you can ensure it handles surprises gracefully before anyone else uses it.
This is where you play detective. When something breaks or looks messy, you'll need to know how to translate scary-looking error messages into plain English and use screenshots to guide the visual fixes. A crucial part of this step is learning how to intentionally try to break your own app—clicking things out of order or entering the wrong information—so you can ensure it handles surprises gracefully before anyone else uses it.
3. Deploy your app
Your app may work well in testing, but now it's time to prepare it for daily use. Deployment is about making sure your tool is safe and secure—whether you're the only one using it, or you plan to share it with other people. This involves polishing the look and feel, locking down backend settings for data security, and connecting your app to reference documents so it provides factual answers rather than making things up. If you are sharing it, you'll want a strategy to roll it out safely, starting small to catch any lingering bugs.
What’s the best vibe coding tool for me?
While vibe coding strategies work across many browser-based AI tools, the best vibe coding tool for you will likely depend on which stage of development you’re currently in. Here’s an overview of some of Google’s no-code app development tools and where they might be most helpful to you:
| Tool name |
Best for |
Key feature |
| Google AI Studio |
Rapid prototyping and custom system instructions |
All-in-one workspace to plan, test, and review error logs. This is the primary tool you’ll learn about in the vibe coding course in the Google AI Professional Certificate. |
| Gemini (App & Canvas) |
Fast, conversational brainstorming |
Clickable drafts and visual planning |
| Google Antigravity |
Advanced, agent-first project scaling |
Multi-agent planning, building, and testing with 1-click export |
Vibe coding at work: Ideas for practical apps
To understand what’s possible with vibe coding, look at these three highly practical workplace applications taught in Google’s vibe coding course:
- The Project Rescue App: Imagine having complete clarity over your team's workflow. When a task shifts, this app ensures you never miss a beat. Build a tool that effortlessly recalculates the "domino effect" of any timeline change. It’ll help you map out necessary adjustments, update launch dates, and generate a clear path forward to keep your project safely on track and perfectly within budget.
- The Video Storyboard App: Looking for a way to bring your creative visions to life? Build an app that takes a rough concept and transforms it into a professional, timed storyboard. It’ll match the dialogue speed to the scene length and even scan your company's video library to see if you already have the right footage, saving you hours of busywork.
- The Data Storyteller App: Turn overwhelming spreadsheets into a compelling story. Build a sleek dashboard that takes massive, messy numbers and transforms them into a simple executive summary. It automatically flags important trends based on your company's specific rules and features a built-in AI chat so you can literally "talk" to the data and ask follow-up questions in real-time.
Learn vibe coding: Take the next step
The best part about learning how to vibe code is that it finally puts you in the driver's seat. It allows you to go beyond standard software and easily build custom tools that are perfectly tailored to your unique workflow.
We teach this entire process with hands-on activities in the newest course added to the Google AI Professional Certificate. From mapping out your first idea and fixing bugs, to sharing the final app with your team, Ammaar, an AI expert at Google, will guide you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to stop watching from the sidelines and start building, the path is open. The only question left is: What will you build first?
We teach this entire process with hands-on activities in the newest course added to the Google AI Professional Certificate. From mapping out your first idea and fixing bugs, to sharing the final app with your team, Ammaar, an AI expert at Google, will guide you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to stop watching from the sidelines and start building, the path is open. The only question left is: What will you build first?
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