Do you recognize this?
- Do you rely on ChatGPT to write most of your backend, but can’t explain what it actually does?
- Do you keep copy-pasting code until it works… and then stop touching it out of fear it’ll break?
- Do you struggle with proper user authentication that works across sessions, devices, and roles?
- Have you duct-taped together a payment flow that kind of works until someone tries a refund or discount code?
- Do you have five slightly different versions of the same feature scattered across your app?
- Are you worried that your code might not survive more than 10 users clicking at once?
- Do you know deep down that if you had to scale tomorrow, you’d be in trouble?
If you’re nodding: you’re not alone. We see this all the time - and we’re here to help, not judge.
Common Pitfalls of Vibe Coding
Prototype-friendly, production-hostile
Vibe coding is ideal for building quick POCs, but AI‑generated code often lacks the structure, scalability, and maintainability needed for production. AI may deliver something that runs, but debugging, edge cases, and real-world use often expose weak spots.
That final 20% is a trap
AI gets you about 80% of the way there - but the last critical 20% (edge‑case logic, performance optimizations, error handling) is often missing. That can leave you stuck needing a senior engineer to clean up AI-generated spaghetti.
You don't really understand the code
If most of your app is written by AI, you may not fully understand what the code does - or why it works. That makes debugging, onboarding new devs, or handing over your stack risky.
You're locked in, and don't know it
Tools like Supabase, Lovable, Firebase or Vercel make it easy to get started - but they often come with vendor lock-in you didn't plan for. What looks like a quick win early on can make it hard (or expensive) to switch later.
Security gaps you don't see
AI-generated code can contain unrecognized security vulnerabilities: exposed API keys, SQL injections, insecure auth logic, or XSS vulnerabilities. Without rigorous security checks, your app can go live with major flaws you never detected.
Debugging becomes a nightmare
Because AI writes code you didn't intend, tracing bugs and logic errors is harder than fixing code you wrote yourself. Regenerating or copy-pasting until 'something works' often introduces inconsistencies and breaks expected behavior.
VC skepticism & scale limitations
Investors respect founders who use AI sparingly - especially if you can demonstrate scalable, robust code. Pure vibe-coded apps often struggle to stand out among the sea of AI prototypes and may lack the 'technical depth' VCs expect even at seed stage.
Our Vision on Vibe Coding
We don’t think vibe coding is evil. In fact, we use AI ourselves. The problem isn’t using AI - it’s not knowing what you don’t know about the code it creates.
We use vibe coding ourselves. It’s a powerful way to move fast, explore ideas, and build momentum. But speed without structure often leads to hidden issues that only show up when you try to scale or hand things over. In the hands of an experienced developer, AI becomes a creative accelerator. Without that context, it can quietly become technical debt.
Jeroen , 010 Coding Collective
Our Vibe Coding Audit Packages
Free consultation
You've built something with Lovable, ChatGPT or Cursor. It works, but is it production-ready? We review your code and honestly tell you what's needed.
Includes
- 1.5 hours with senior developer(s)
- Analysis of your current situation
- Written summary afterwards
- Concrete next steps
Best for: anyone who wants to know where they stand
Starter Audit
A 2-hour review session to check the vibe of your build and help you see what works and what's risky.
Includes
- 2-hour call with a senior developer
- High-level strategic review: architecture, risks, maintainability
- Advice on what to do now vs later
- Clear next steps (with or without us)
Possible activities
Best for: solo founders, AI-coded MVPs, early no-code builds
Full Audit
We roll up our sleeves, audit your actual code or tool logic, and give you detailed, prioritized feedback.
Includes
- Everything from Starter, plus:
- Codebase access (GitHub, Replit, Bubble, etc.)
- Annotated audit of your backend, frontend and/or flows
- Vibe Scorecard: clarity, structure, scalability, dev-friendliness
- Specific suggestions for naming, structure, technical debt, security
- 45-min follow-up session for Q&A
- PDF summary with recommendations
Possible activities
Best for: founders preparing to scale, hand over to devs, or pitch
* Pricing is indicative and depends on specific project requirements and scope.
How does it work?
We always start with a free consult. In 30-60 minutes, we look at your code together, discuss your situation, and give honest advice. Then we determine the best next steps together. No obligations.
Possible next steps:
- Starter Audit: 2-hour strategic review session
- Full Audit: In-depth analysis with written report
- Ongoing support: As an extension of your team (see Software Development Support)
