Ten Vibe Coding Habits for Faster, Better Results
By Marcelo Lewin, Founder and Vibe Coding Advocate at iCodeWith.ai
August 2025
Introduction
Vibe coding is about building software in a conversational, collaborative flow with AI tools. Instead of spending hours writing code line-by-line, you work side-by-side with AI models to quickly prototype, iterate, and refine solutions. But just like any creative process, your results depend on how you approach it. Without a plan, you can end up stuck, going in circles, or producing code that works today but fails tomorrow.
After many vibe coding sessions, both successful and painful, I’ve narrowed down the core practices that consistently make the biggest difference. Here are ten best practices to help you get better results from your next session.
1. Think like a systems architect
Step back and look at your project from a bird’s-eye view before writing a single prompt. Identify the core components, how they connect, and where AI fits in.
Before building a habit tracker, map out the flow: user authentication → data storage → habit tracking logic → reporting UI. Share that outline with the AI so it understands the architecture.
2. Define your project vision clearly
If you can’t explain your project in one or two sentences, you’re not ready to start coding. A clear vision aligns both you and the AI, avoiding wasted prompts and irrelevant output.
"A mobile-first recipe app for quick vegetarian meals under 30 minutes" is far more useful than "a recipe app."
3. Break the work into small, manageable steps
Big, vague prompts overwhelm AI and often lead to messy code. Smaller, focused tasks keep responses targeted and easier to test.
Instead of "Build the user profile page," start with "Create the profile form UI in React with Tailwind CSS, no functionality yet."
4. Avoid scope creep
Resist adding features mid-session. Keep a backlog for ideas and stick to the current task.
While building a blog template, you might think of adding a newsletter signup. Drop it in a “Future Enhancements” doc instead of coding it now.
5. Use a shared workspace when collaborating
Keep the conversation and code in one place so everyone stays aligned.
Use a shared GitHub repository for code and a
memory.mdfile to log key prompts, AI-generated snippets, and design decisions.
6. Provide the AI with context and examples
The more relevant details you give, the better the results.
Instead of "Write a login function," say "Write a Node.js login function using Express and JWT, similar to this example..."
7. Set constraints and acceptance criteria
Define success before the AI starts coding so you know when a task is complete.
"This API should respond in under 200ms and handle up to 10,000 requests per minute."
8. Use version control or checkpoints
Save progress often so you can roll back if needed.
Commit to Git after each major feature, or use save states in your AI tool.
9. Validate performance and security
Don’t just check that the code works — make sure it’s fast and safe.
Test for SQL injection vulnerabilities before launch.
10. Document your process and decisions
Capture the “why” behind your choices for future you or collaborators.
"Chose PostgreSQL over MongoDB for better relational data support."
Conclusion
Vibe coding lets you turn ideas into working software faster than ever, but speed without structure leads to chaos. These ten practices will help you keep sessions focused, outputs high-quality, and your projects maintainable. Apply them consistently, and you’ll spend less time fighting the AI — and more time shipping work you’re proud of.
About the SoCal Tech Forum
The SoCal Tech Forum: Building a Community of Innovators
The SoCal Tech Forum was founded with a vision to create a dynamic and inclusive space for technology enthusiasts, innovators, entrepreneurs, and students. Based in the Inland Empire, a region brimming with untapped potential, the forum serves as a centralized platform where individuals can come together, gain valuable experience presenting their ideas, and learn from seasoned speakers. Our mission is to amplify technology growth and foster entrepreneurship within the Inland Empire and beyond.
With over 400 members and growing, the SoCal Tech Forum is the premier hub for tech-minded individuals from across Southern California. Our community thrives on the hunger for knowledge, collaboration, and innovation. Each month, we host engaging meetups that feature diverse topics ranging from blockchain and artificial intelligence to business strategies for startups and beyond. By adapting our format regularly, we ensure our events remain fresh, relevant, and tailored to the interests of our members.
At the SoCal Tech Forum, we value feedback from our community to guide the topics we explore. Whether you're delving into highly technical subjects or engaging with non-technical content, our events promise something valuable for everyone. Together, we aim to elevate education, spark meaningful discussions, and tackle challenges that drive the tech ecosystem forward.
