Andrew Ng, co-founder of Google Brain and a leading figure in AI, asserts that traditional line-by-line coding is a thing of the past. At Snowflake’s “Build” conference, he stated that artificial intelligence has fundamentally changed the programming landscape. Ng emphasized that the future is in vibe coding, which is a more intuitive, AI-assisted method of software development. He remarked, “The bar to coding is now lower than it ever has been,” indicating that individuals from various professions, including CEOs, marketers, and recruiters, can accomplish more if they engage in coding, rather than just software engineers.
He described this time as an “extraordinary moment” for creators across various sectors, highlighting that AI-powered development tools enable swift transformation of ideas into functioning applications. Ng encouraged people to avoid traditional hand coding methods and to leverage AI for a more enjoyable and productive experience in development. Vibe coding is gaining traction in Silicon Valley, where it involves using AI copilots such as Cursor, Replit, or Bolt to write and debug code through natural language instructions. This approach eliminates the need for manual syntax input, allowing users to articulate their needs and have AI generate the corresponding code. Ng perceives this shift as a significant boost in productivity and a notable cultural change.
He acknowledged the challenges in hiring skilled AI personnel, noting that universities have been slow to adapt to these advancements. As a result, computer science graduates are experiencing increased unemployment due to outdated curricula that do not keep pace with AI coding demands. This transformation is reshaping the job market, with professionals who embrace AI collaboration gaining a competitive edge. Other industry leaders echo Ng’s sentiment; Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has called vibe coding the cornerstone of a new “human-digital workforce revolution,” anticipating that future workplaces will integrate human employees with AI tools built on platforms like OpenAI and Replit.
The trend is also extending beyond the tech sector, with Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski, who lacks a technical background, describing how tools like Cursor have revolutionized his product experimentation process. Major corporations are also recognizing this trend, as Business Insider reports that firms such as Visa, Reddit, and DoorDash are prioritizing “vibe coding experience” in job listings. What started as a niche activity among enthusiasts is quickly evolving into a common skill set. For Andrew Ng, vibe coding symbolizes one of AI’s most empowering influences, providing everyone, regardless of expertise, the opportunity to innovate and create without significant technical obstacles.