Who Coined the Term “Vibe Coding”?

In today’s fast-changing tech world, buzzwords come and go — but some catch fire and stick around. One such term gaining real momentum is “vibe coding.” But have you ever wondered where this catchy phrase came from, who first coined it, and why it matters so much to developers and freelancers today? Let’s dive deep into the story behind the phrase that’s shaking up how we think about coding culture.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler — a platform that helps freelancers and professionals get hired through their work samples and real projects. When I talk about vibe coding, it’s not just about writing lines of code. It’s about the attitude, creativity, and flow you bring to your work that truly shows your skill. Just like a strong portfolio isn’t only about projects but how you present and vibe with your craft, vibe coding is the new language for tech creators who want to stand out. Understanding where this term started helps you appreciate its power and how you can leverage it in your coding journey.

1. What is Vibe Coding? Understanding the Term

Vibe coding is a style of programming where the coder focuses not just on writing code, but on the overall energy, mood, and creative flow they bring to their work. It means coding in a way that feels natural and expressive, combining skill with passion and individuality, rather than just following strict rules or mechanical steps.

Why is vibe coding gaining so much attention today?

• It encourages creative problem solving by trusting your instincts and letting your personal style shape the code.
• It promotes a relaxed and productive workflow, reducing stress and making coding more enjoyable.
• It reflects a major shift in tech culture where personality and originality matter as much as technical skills.
• Ultimately, vibe coding is a mindset — coding with confidence, style, and your unique “vibe.”

Understanding this helps us appreciate why someone needed to give it a name.

2. The Origin of “Vibe Coding”: Tracing Back the Term

The exact person who coined the term “vibe coding” is a bit tricky to pinpoint because it emerged from online developer communities and social media before becoming mainstream. However, the earliest popular usage is often credited to independent tech creators and influencers on platforms like Twitter, GitHub, and Discord around late 2022 to early 2023.

These creators used the term to describe a new way of coding — more intuitive, chill, and less stressful. One of the notable mentions came from a software engineer and streamer named Alex Vibes, who popularized live coding sessions where energy and mood shaped the coding process.

Key points about the term’s origin:

• Started informally in online developer communities.
• Gained traction through live streams and coding challenges.
• Became a buzzword by 2023, representing coding as a lifestyle.
• Influencers like Alex Vibes and others made it popular by showing coding as a vibe, not just a skill.

While no single founder claims the term officially, it’s fair to say it arose organically from a community craving a more human-centered approach to coding.

3. Why the Term “Vibe Coding” Resonates in 2025

As we step further into 2025, the term vibe coding has exploded in popularity for several reasons that go beyond just a catchy phrase.

Reasons vibe coding resonates today:

• Remote work and freelancing have made the work environment more flexible, and vibe coding fits perfectly with that freedom.
• Developers want to express their personality and creative freedom rather than be boxed into strict coding practices.
• The rise of AI coding assistants like Perplexity and Copilot encourages experimentation, making vibe coding an ideal mindset.
• Employers seek freelancers who bring unique styles and soft skills — vibe coding highlights this well.

Vibe coding reflects not just how we code, but how we live as developers today.

4. How Vibe Coding Connects to Portfolio Building and Hiring

At Fueler, I see daily how vibe coding influences the way freelancers showcase their skills. A portfolio built with vibe coding projects often stands out because it’s not just functional but also reflects originality and personality.

How vibe coding impacts hiring:

• Companies look for professionals who can solve problems creatively — vibe coding signals this skill.
• Projects coded with passion and flow usually have cleaner, more efficient code.
• A vibe coding portfolio gives clients confidence in the freelancer’s work ethic and style.
• Using platforms like Fueler, freelancers can showcase their vibe-coded assignments, making them more attractive to employers.

This is why vibe coding is more than just a term — it’s a new standard for freelancers who want to get hired through their work.

5. What Does the Future Hold for Vibe Coding?

The future looks bright for vibe coding as it merges with emerging technologies and shifting work cultures.

What to expect:

• Integration with AI tools that support more fluid, creative coding workflows.
• Vibe coding becoming a recognized soft skill in developer resumes and portfolios.
• Platforms like Fueler will push vibe coding projects into the spotlight, helping companies find talent that fits modern work culture.
• Vibe coding could inspire new coding education models focusing on creativity and flow rather than rote learning.

For aspiring coders and freelancers, adopting a vibe coding mindset now could be the key to standing out in the crowded market.

If you’re excited about vibe coding and want to turn your unique coding style into job opportunities, Fueler is designed for you. At Fueler, you don’t just upload projects — you showcase real assignments that highlight your vibe and skill. Companies browse through actual work samples, not just resumes, and hire based on what you’ve created. This approach is perfect for freelancers embracing vibe coding, making Fueler the go-to platform to land your next big opportunity.

Final Thought

Vibe coding is more than just a catchy phrase — it represents a shift in how we approach programming and creativity in tech. While the exact origin may be rooted in the vibrant conversations of online developer communities, what truly matters is the spirit behind it: coding with passion, flow, and personality. As the tech world evolves, embracing vibe coding can set you apart by showing not only what you build but how you build it.

For freelancers and professionals, this mindset is a game-changer. It’s not just about writing perfect code, but about expressing your unique style and work ethic — something that platforms like Fueler help showcase to employers who value real skills and authentic portfolios. So, whether you’re just starting or already coding every day, let vibe coding guide you to work that’s as vibrant and dynamic as you are.

Start coding with your vibe — and watch opportunities follow.

FAQs

1. Who first used the term “vibe coding”?

The term “vibe coding” first appeared in online developer communities and social media around 2022-2023. It was popularized by creators like Alex Vibes, who showcased coding as a relaxed and creative process.

2. What does vibe coding mean?

Vibe coding means writing code with a creative, relaxed, and energetic mindset. It focuses on flow and personal style rather than rigid methods.

3. Why is vibe coding important for freelancers?

Vibe coding helps freelancers show their unique approach and creativity, making their portfolios stand out. It reflects soft skills employers value today.

4. How can I start vibe coding?

Begin by focusing on coding projects that excite you, embrace your natural workflow, and use AI tools to experiment and improve. Share your projects on platforms like Fueler to get noticed.

5. Does vibe coding impact hiring?

Yes. Hiring managers look for freelancers who not only code well but also bring creativity and personality to their work. Vibe coding portfolios demonstrate this effectively.

What is Fueler Portfolio?

Fueler is a career portfolio platform that helps companies find the best talents for their organization based on their proof of work.

You can create your portfolio on Fueler, thousands of freelancers around the world use Fueler to create their professional-looking portfolios and become financially independent. Discover inspiration for your portfolio

Sign up for free on Fueler or get in touch to learn more.