Responsible Vibe Coding: Architecture, Opportunities, and Research Agenda

Vibe coding is an emerging software engineering approach that transitions development from manual code writing to expressing conversational intent. Building on recent advances in generative artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs), this approach enables developers to experiment with specifying and generating software artifacts through natural-language interaction. This paper defines vibe coding as a socio-technical framework that reimagines human–AI collaboration across the development lifecycle. Drawing on recent research and emerging industry, it explores the architectural fundamentals of vibe coding, compares it with related concepts such as agentic development and AI-assisted coding, and highlights its proposed applications while illustrating its potential through several illustrative scenarios. The paper also discusses key challenges in reliability, governance, and security, proposing a structured research agenda focused on human-centered adaptation, technological reliability, and organizational governance. By examining vibe coding as a socio-technical phenomenon, this study provides a foundational perspective on responsible, intent-driven software creation.