Vibe coding and agentic engineering are getting closer than I'd like

· · May 6, 2026, 2:37 p.m.
Summary
In a discussion prompted by a podcast with Joseph Ruscio, software engineer Simon Willison explores the convergence of vibe coding and agentic engineering. He reflects on how these methods—which vary in levels of responsibility and attention to code quality—are influencing his own work and thoughts about software development. Willison acknowledges the discomfort associated with relying on AI tools without thorough reviews, while recognizing the increased speed they offer. He concludes that despite the changes in development processes, the challenge of producing quality software remains high, emphasizing the need for proven solutions in software engineering.
AUTHOR
Sponsored
Zulip logo Zulip
Organized team chat for people who take work seriously. Topic-based threading keeps conversations focused.
Try Zulip
Become a sponsor →