Andrew Ng Criticizes Term 'Vibe Coding,' Emphasizes Importance of Learning to Code Despite AI Tools

Andrew Ng, a prominent figure in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), believes the term "vibe coding" is unfortunate and misleading. The phrase, which describes the process of using AI to generate code based on prompts, was coined by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy in February. Ng argues that "vibe coding" gives the impression that engineers can simply "go with the vibes" and accept or reject AI-generated code without much thought. However, he emphasizes that coding with AI assistance is actually a demanding and intellectually rigorous activity. Ng, currently a Stanford professor and former leader of Google Brain, spoke about the topic at the LangChain Interrupt conference in May. He recounted how, despite AI’s assistance, he still feels exhausted after a day of coding. This counters the notion that AI makes coding effortless, highlighting the ongoing complexity and challenges involved in the process. Ng is optimistic about the potential of AI-assisted coding, describing it as "fantastic" for increasing developer productivity. He notes that developers can now write software more quickly, often with minimal direct involvement in the code itself. This shift has significant implications for the tech industry, raising questions about the future role of engineers and the necessity of technical skills for startup founders. Some engineers fear that AI could render their jobs obsolete, while others see it as a tool that enhances their capabilities. Moreover, the rise of AI-assisted coding has democratized app development, making it accessible to individuals without formal engineering training. For example, a product designer at a company called A Block built a dog identification app in just two months using AI tools. This demonstrates the potential for AI to empower non-technical professionals to create functional applications. Despite the benefits, Ng expresses frustration over the resistance to AI-assisted coding within some organizations. Many companies, particularly those led by CIOs and CTOs, still have policies that prohibit engineers from using AI tools for coding. Ng advocates for changing these policies, emphasizing that his own teams, including roles like the CFO, GC, and receptionist, all benefit from having basic coding knowledge. While these team members are not software engineers, their ability to understand and interact with coding basics improves communication and boosts overall productivity. Ng also criticizes the advice that AI will make coding obsolete, calling it "some of the worst career advice ever given." He strongly believes that learning to code remains essential, both for developers and non-developers. According to Ng, knowing at least one programming language is crucial for the future because it enables individuals to communicate more effectively with computers and interpret errors accurately. This skill, he argues, is driving significant productivity gains across various job functions at his startup, AI Fund. In summary, Andrew Ng supports the use of AI in coding but urges a reevaluation of its terminology and a broader acceptance of the practice within corporate policies. He sees the ability to code as a vital skill that enhances collaboration and efficiency, even for those outside traditional software engineering roles. Ng’s perspectives resonate with many industry insiders who recognize the transformative impact of AI on software development, although the term "vibe coding" remains controversial. His advocacy for universal coding education reflects a forward-thinking approach to preparing the workforce for an AI-driven future.