How To Get The Most Out Of Vibe Coding | Startup School



AI Summary

Summary of Vibe Coding Tips

  1. Understanding Vibe Coding
    • Similar to prompt engineering; a new programming language utilizing AI.
    • Key techniques align closely with professional software engineering practices.
  2. Usage of Multiple Tools
    • Use both Cursor and Windsurf for different tasks.
    • WinSurf excels in backend processing; Cursor is faster for frontend tasks.
  3. Starting with Test Cases
    • Craft test cases first, then let LLMs generate the code.
    • Tests serve as guardrails for quality assurance.
  4. Creating a Comprehensive Plan
    • Collaborate with LLMs to draft a detailed project plan in markdown.
    • Break the project into sections and implement them step by step.
  5. Version Control
    • Use Git for version control to manage changes efficiently.
    • Reset cleanly after bug fix attempts to avoid layered issues.
  6. Writing Effective Tests
    • Prioritize high-level integration tests instead of low-level unit tests.
    • Utilize testing to catch regressions and unexpected changes.
  7. Leveraging AI for Various Tasks
    • Use AI for non-coding tasks (e.g., configuring servers, creating favicons).
    • AI can assist in more complex setups much faster than traditional methods.
  8. Bug Fixing Techniques
    • Start by copying error messages into the LLM, avoiding unnecessary explanations.
    • Always reset the codebase when encountering persistent bugs.
  9. Documentation Management
    • Store relevant documentation locally for easier access by the LLM.
    • Treat LLMs as teaching aids to strengthen understanding of code.
  10. Modularity and Architecture
    • Favor modular codebases with clear API boundaries for better functionality.
    • Small files enhance clarity for human developers and LLMs.
  11. Choosing the Right Tech Stack
    • Favor frameworks with established conventions (e.g., Ruby on Rails).
    • Be aware that different languages may yield varying success rates with AI.
  12. Continuous Experimentation
    • Regularly test new AI models and techniques to optimize coding practices.
    • Adapt strategies based on performance metrics and results from various models.