Vibe Coding: rapid prototyping with AI

What is vibe coding?

Vibe coding is a software development approach in which the developer describes in natural language what they want to obtain, and AI generates the corresponding code. The term, popularised by Andrej Karpathy in early 2025, sums up a simple idea: you code the vibe, the intent, and AI handles the technical implementation.

Concretely, instead of writing every line of code, the developer describes the expected result: "Create a contact form with validation, a clean design and email sending." AI (via tools such as Claude Code, Cursor or GitHub Copilot) generates the code, which the developer reviews and adjusts.

The main vibe coding tools compared

The vibe coding tool market has matured considerably. Here is a comparison of the three most-used solutions in 2026:

Claude Code (Anthropic) runs directly in the terminal. It excels at complex multi-file tasks: refactoring, building complete architectures, debugging. Its strength is contextual understanding of whole projects. It is particularly effective for developers who prefer a command-line workflow. The Claude model handles long, nuanced instructions well, making it suited to detailed functional descriptions.

Cursor is a dedicated code editor, based on VS Code, with AI built in natively. It offers autocomplete, contextual chat and inline code generation. Its main advantage: AI sees the entire project and can modify multiple files simultaneously via the Composer feature. It is the most accessible tool for non-developers thanks to its visual interface.

GitHub Copilot integrates into existing editors (VS Code, JetBrains, Neovim). It is performant for line-by-line autocomplete and contextual suggestions. Its strength: native integration with the GitHub ecosystem (issues, pull requests, CI/CD). Copilot Workspace, launched in 2025, lets you describe a complete task and generate an implementation plan.

In practice, the three tools are complementary. At MCVA Consulting, we use Claude Code for complex prototypes requiring an architectural vision, and Cursor for rapid iterations with immediate visual feedback.

Why vibe coding changes the game for prototyping

From idea to prototype in hours

Where a functional prototype used to take 2 to 4 weeks of classic development, vibe coding lets you obtain a first version in a few hours. This speed transforms the way companies test their ideas.

A start-up in Lausanne can prototype 5 versions of an application in a week, test them with real users, and iterate. The cost of failure becomes negligible, which encourages experimentation.

Making prototyping accessible to non-developers

A product manager, designer or consultant can now create a functional prototype without writing a single line of code by hand. They simply have to describe precisely what they want. This democratisation accelerates innovation by reducing dependence on technical teams for exploratory phases.

Iterating at the speed of thought

The "idea, description, code, test, adjust" cycle now takes minutes instead of days. You can explore variants, test different approaches and converge faster on the right solution.

A concrete vibe coding prototyping workflow

Here is the process we apply at MCVA Consulting to move from an idea to a testable prototype:

Step 1: framing (30 min). Write a clear context document: which problem to solve, for whom, which essential features. This document will serve as a brief for AI. The more precise it is, the better the result.

Step 2: structure generation (1 to 2 h). Describe the overall architecture to AI: "A Next.js application with a homepage, a multi-step form and a dashboard." AI generates the project skeleton, the main components and the navigation.

Step 3: feature-by-feature iteration (2 to 4 h). Add features one by one via targeted prompts. Test each addition immediately. Fix issues with precise instructions: "The submit button does not disable during loading, add a loading state."

Step 4: review and clean-up (1 to 2 h). Review the generated code. Identify inconsistencies, duplications, obvious security flaws. Ask AI to correct the detected issues.

Step 5: user testing (variable). Deploy the prototype on a test environment (Vercel, Netlify) and submit it to real users. Collect feedback and iterate.

This workflow allows a functional prototype to be obtained in a day. In traditional development, the same result would take 2 to 3 weeks.

The limits of vibe coding

Unsuitable for production

A prototype is not a product. Code generated by vibe coding is often working but not robust. It lacks tests, error handling, security and optimisation. Putting "vibed" code directly into production is a common and dangerous mistake.

Invisible technical debt

When you do not understand the generated code, you accumulate invisible technical debt. Each addition is made through successive prompts, without architectural vision. The result quickly becomes a tangle that is hard to maintain.

Loss of control over technical choices

AI makes choices on architecture, frameworks and libraries. If the developer does not understand them, they cannot optimise or correct them. On a long-term project, this dependency becomes a risk.

When NOT to use vibe coding

Some contexts rule out vibe coding, even for prototyping:

• Sensitive data. If your prototype handles real customer data, financial or medical information, AI-generated code carries risks of leakage or mishandling. Use fictitious data or an isolated environment.
• Strict compliance. Regulated sectors (banking, health, insurance) in Switzerland require complete code traceability. Vibe coding makes this traceability difficult, because the generation process is not deterministically reproducible.
• Critical integrations. If the prototype must connect to production systems (ERP, CRM, business databases), a bug in the generated code can have real consequences. Prefer supervised development.
• Teams without technical skill. Vibe coding without anyone capable of reviewing the code is risky. Someone must be able to assess whether the result is acceptable before showing it to users or investors.

When to use vibe coding vs traditional development

Vibe coding is ideal for:

• Prototypes and PoCs: testing an idea quickly before investing
• Internal tools: small utilities, scripts, automations
• Interactive mockups: showing a concept to a client or investor
• Technical exploration: testing an API, an integration, a workflow

Traditional development remains necessary for:

• Production applications: security, performance, maintainability
• Critical systems: fintech, health, infrastructure
• Long-term projects: scalable architectures, maintainable code
• Regulatory compliance: traceability, audits, certifications

Best practices for vibe coding in business

Clearly separate prototype and production. A prototype serves to validate an idea. If validated, rebuild it cleanly. Do not give in to the temptation of "we keep it as is".

Train your teams. Even vibe coding requires skills: knowing how to describe precisely what you want, understanding AI's limits, reviewing and assessing the generated code. Invest in training your teams.

Document the prompts. Keep a record of the descriptions that produced the code. This is your "source code" in vibe coding: if you must recreate or modify the prototype, these prompts are your starting point.

Set a governance framework. Define which projects can be "vibed" and which require traditional development. This clarity prevents drift.

The opportunity for Swiss SMEs

Vibe coding is a particularly strong opportunity for Swiss SMEs. It allows them to test digital ideas without having a large internal development team. An executive can prototype a tool, validate the concept with their clients, then commission professional development if the idea proves itself.

At MCVA Consulting, we support companies in this approach: identifying relevant use cases, training teams in vibe coding tools, and defining the right moment to move from prototype to product. For Swiss SMEs looking for a local partner for this transition, tailored support makes the difference.

Implications for Swiss businesses

Switzerland presents a particular context that makes vibe coding both promising and demanding.

The cost of development. With average developer salaries among the highest in Europe (CHF 110'000.– to CHF 140'000.– per year according to Swissinfo), every week of development has a significant cost. Vibe coding lets you validate, or invalidate, an idea before committing these resources. For a Geneva or Zurich SME, the ability to test 5 concepts for the price of a single traditional prototype changes the innovation equation.

The tech-talent shortage. Switzerland counts around 30,000 unfilled IT positions according to ICTswitzerland. Vibe coding does not replace developers, but it allows business profiles (product managers, consultants, analysts) to take charge of the exploratory phase, freeing developers for high value-added tasks.

The demand for quality and compliance. Swiss companies, particularly in finance and healthcare, operate in a strict regulatory framework (FINMA, FADP/nFADP). Vibe coding is a validation tool, not a production tool. This distinction is structuring: prototype fast, build cleanly.

The start-up ecosystem. Swiss innovation hubs (EPFL Innovation Park, Trust Square Zurich, Switzerland Innovation) increasingly see founders use vibe coding for their first MVPs. The ability to show a functional prototype in a few days rather than a few months speeds up fundraising and market validation cycles.

Summary

• Vibe coding lets you create prototypes by describing your needs in natural language to AI.
• It reduces prototyping time from weeks to hours and makes it accessible to non-developers.
• It is unsuitable for production: generated code lacks robustness, security and maintainability.
• The golden rule: prototype in vibe coding, rebuild cleanly if the concept is validated.
• Contact MCVA Consulting to explore vibe coding in your company.

Frequently asked questions

Can vibe coding replace a developer?

No. Vibe coding is an accelerator, not a replacement. It allows prototypes to be produced quickly, but moving to production requires skills in software architecture, security, testing and optimisation that AI does not guarantee. An experienced developer remains essential to turn a prototype into a reliable product. What vibe coding changes is the time allocation: less time on exploration, more time on robust construction.

What budget should I plan to integrate vibe coding into my company?

Direct costs are modest. Tool subscriptions (Cursor Pro at around USD 20.– per month, GitHub Copilot at around USD 19.– per month, Claude Pro at around USD 20.– per month) represent a few hundred francs per year per user. The real investment is in training: learning to write effective prompts, understanding AI's limits, and putting in place a clear process for moving from prototype to product. Count 1 to 2 days of training for an operational team.

Is vibe coding-generated code secure?

By default, no. AI generates code that works, but it does not prioritise security unless explicitly instructed. Common risks include: SQL injection, insufficient authentication handling, exposure of sensitive data in the front-end, unvetted dependencies. For an internal prototype, these risks are acceptable. For anything touching real data or external users, a security review by a professional is necessary.

Want to explore vibe coding to accelerate your projects? Contact MCVA Consulting for a prototyping workshop or training tailored to your team.