As an experienced software developer working across AI, web development, and data analysis, I’ve recently been diving deep into the world of AI-powered coding tools. These tools – like GitHub Copilot, CodeWhisperer, and ChatGPT’s code interpreter – are making waves. But what really caught my attention is the concept of Vibe Coding.
Vibe Coding is more than just writing code with an assistant. It’s about creating a flow, having a conversation with your code, and using prompts to spark creativity, solve problems, and accelerate development. After spending months experimenting with different prompt styles, I’ve put together a go-to list of Vibe Coding Prompts that actually work – and a few that don’t.
The Ultimate List of Vibe Coding Prompts That Actually Work (and a Few That Don’t)
✅ Prompts That Work (Really Well)
1. Debugging Help
- “Can you find the bug in this function and fix it? [Insert code]”
- “Why is this returning null when I pass X?”
- “This function throws a TypeError. What’s wrong with it?”
💡 These work best when you provide context and input/output examples.
2. Code Refactoring & Optimization
- “Can you simplify this function without changing the output?”
- “Refactor this React component to make it more readable.”
- “Optimize this SQL query for performance.”
🛠️ Great for cleaning up legacy code or making your codebase leaner.
3. AI-Assisted Code Generation
- “Write a Flask app with a login system and user authentication.”
- “Generate a React component that displays a paginated table using Tailwind CSS.”
- “Create a script that scrapes news headlines from a given site.”
⚡ Clear intent = better code suggestions. Be specific with frameworks and features.
4. Explaining Complex Concepts
- “Explain how promises work in JavaScript with examples.”
- “What’s the difference between SQL and NoSQL in layman’s terms?”
- “Can you teach me how to use pandas for data manipulation with a small dataset?”
👨🏫 These are gold for self-learning and onboarding new developers.
5. Fun and Creative Prompts
- “Create a random joke generator in Python.”
- “Build a CLI that suggests coffee recipes.”
- “Make a mini-game in HTML/JS where a cat jumps over obstacles.”
😄 Keeps the flow fun and helps explore new tech playfully.
❌ Prompts That Often Fall Flat
1. Too Vague
- “Help me with this.”
- “Fix it.”
- “What’s wrong here?” (without code)
❗ These don’t give the AI enough to work with. It needs context.
2. Overly Complex in One Shot
- “Write a full-stack e-commerce platform with Stripe integration and admin panel.”
🧱 Too much at once usually results in partial or broken code. Break it down.
3. Unrealistic Expectations
- “Make this app viral.”
- “Write perfect production-ready code without any bugs.”
😂 The AI’s good, but not that good.
My Tips for Better Prompting
- Be Specific – Include language, framework, and desired outcome.
- Give Context – Share code snippets, error messages, or what you tried already.
- Iterate – Use follow-up prompts to improve or expand the output.
- Test Prompt Styles – Try instructive, conversational, and example-driven tones.
Wrapping Up
Vibe Coding is transforming the way I code. It’s not just about getting things done faster—it’s about doing it with clarity, creativity, and flow. Whether you’re debugging, learning, or building something new, a well-crafted prompt can unlock the AI assistant’s true potential.
I’ll keep updating this list as I explore more. If you’ve found any killer prompts that work for you, drop them in the comments. Let’s build better code—together.
Happy Vibe Coding! 🎧💻
Hi there! I’m Sethu, your go-to guy for all things tech, travel, internet, movies, and business tips. I love sharing insights and stories that make life more interesting. Let’s explore the world together, one article at a time!
