Responsible vibe coding: Architecture, opportunities, and research agenda

Author Identifier (ORCID)

Laurie Hughes: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0956-0608

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Agentic development systems, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), large language models (LLMs), software engineering paradigms, vibe coding

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

1-1-2026

Publication Title

Journal of Computer Information Systems

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

School

School of Business and Law

Funders

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals

Comments

Elgendy, I. A., Dwivedi, Y. K., Al-Sharafi, M. A., Hosny, M., Helal, M. Y. I., Crick, T., Hughes, L., Alwahaishi, S., Mahmud, M., Dutot, V., & Al-Busaidi, A. S. (2026). Responsible vibe coding: Architecture, opportunities, and research agenda. Journal of Computer Information Systems. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/08874417.2026.2621186

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.1080/08874417.2026.2621186