Vibe Coding Is Changing the Way Developers Work

Until recently, AI tools for developers were mainly used for code autocomplete, debugging, and finding errors. In 2026, the approach is changing: developers are increasingly describing the desired result in natural language, while AI generates a significant part of the code.

This approach is known as vibe coding. A user can give an instruction such as “create a login page” or “add a filter to the product catalog,” and AI generates the code, which can then be tested and refined.

According to the JetBrains Developer Ecosystem Survey 2026, around 90% of professional developers use AI coding agents at least once a week. This shows that AI is gradually moving from an experimental technology to a regular part of the software development workflow.

At the same time, this approach creates a new challenge: code quality and control. Recent research has highlighted a gap between companies’ confidence in AI-generated code and the problems that can emerge after such code is deployed in production.

As a result, the role of a developer is gradually changing. Instead of writing every line of code manually, developers are increasingly focused on defining requirements, designing architecture, reviewing AI-generated code, testing it, and ensuring security.

For IT companies, this means that the requirements for developers are also evolving. Knowledge of programming languages remains important, but the ability to review, modify, and properly integrate AI-generated code is becoming increasingly valuable.

Programming is therefore moving from a model where “a developer writes the code” toward one where “a developer manages the process of creating software.”