A survey of 167 software engineers reveals that while many feel they are keeping pace with AI coding tools, a significant number also express concerns about job security and productivity. The concept of "vibe-coding," popularized by Andrej Karpathy, highlights the changing landscape of software development, where AI assistance is both a boon and a potential hindrance. Engineers report mixed experiences, with some finding increased productivity while others struggle with over-reliance on AI-generated code.

• Of 167 software engineers surveyed, most feel they're keeping up with AI coding tools, but a notable share worry about job security and productivity.
• "Vibe-coding" (Karpathy's term) is reshaping workflows, with engineers split between productivity gains and frustration with over-reliance on AI-generated code.

The author explores the concept of "vibe coding," where non-coders use AI tools like Bolt to create applications with minimal technical knowledge. While the process seems accessible and fun, the resulting applications often lack depth and robustness, raising questions about their real-world effectiveness. The journey illustrates both the potential and limitations of such tools in empowering non-technical users.

• A non-coder used AI tool Bolt to build an app through "vibe coding" (describing what you want in plain language rather than writing code)
• The apps produced this way tend to look polished on the surface but lack real depth or robustness underneath
• The experiment highlights a gap between how accessible these AI tools feel and how functional/production-ready the output actually is