Non-coder –> Vibe coder -> Manual coder

A self-described non-programmer reports that AI-assisted 'vibe coding' served as a gateway into traditional manual programming, despite finding the approach too expensive, opaque, and unsatisfying. The author, who chose to remain anonymous, now prefers writing code by hand for full control, understanding, and zero cost.

non-coder - vibe coder - manual coder Vibe coding was the hook that got me into normal programming as a non-programmer. I never liked programming before. I didn’t understand the languages, how to actually make a final product, and so on. Then vibe coding came around, and I realized I could make websites, browser extensions, whatever I wanted. Then I ran into a few issues. Firstly, it’s too expensive. I would rather not spend any money at all and I was using the cheapest tools available ; it’s still renting. Secondly, I had no idea what was being made, which made changes hard to make. Lastly; it just gives you an icky feeling. So I realized… I can solve all three my writing by hand. Free forever, I have to understand it all well, and it feels pretty good to be able to build precisely what you want. So yes, I don’t like AI, but maybe there are more like me out there who are finding vibe coding as a strange gateway.