Vibe Coding

Vibe Coding Cheatsheet

Copy-paste prompt templates for planning, implementing, reviewing, testing, and debugging.

Start a session

Paste this at the top of a new chat (or CLI agent) when you sit down to work.

I am the director. You draft. I review and run tests.

Goal: [one sentence]
Files: @[file] @[test file]
Must not: extra deps, unrelated files, secrets
Done: [exact command I will run]

Do not write code until I approve a short plan.
Then implement one step at a time.

Plan only

Do not write or edit code.

Goal: [one sentence]
Constraints: [language, tests, no extra deps, files you must not touch]

Return: steps, files to change, tests, open questions for me.

Implement a slice

@[file] @[test file]

Implement only: [behavior]
Match this API / example:
[signature or sample output]

Constraints:
- Do not change unrelated files
- Do not add dependencies
- Do not edit tests unless I ask

Done: [pytest command]

Tests first

Add tests only in [test file] for [behavior].
Use a temp dir / mocks so tests are isolated.
Do not change production code yet.

Review

Review the last diff.
List extra files, bugs, missing tests, secret risks.
Do not write more code unless I say so.

Debug

@[file] @[test]

Command: [exact command]
Expected: [result]
Got: [traceback or output]

Explain the cause, then apply the smallest fix.
Do not rewrite the module.

Tighten after a mess

Stop. Revert to the last plan.

Implement step [n] only.
Files allowed: [list]
If you need another file, ask.

Point at files in your tool

Tool	How
Cursor, Windsurf, many editors	`@notes.py @test_notes.py` in the agent chat
VS Code + Copilot	Attach those files in Copilot Chat, then paste the four-part prompt
Claude Code, Codex CLI, Aider	Name the paths: `Files: notes.py, test_notes.py`

Standing rules (short)

- Python 3, pytest -q after changes
- Small diffs, no drive-by refactors
- No new dependencies unless asked
- Never commit secrets or .venv

The loop (memorize this)

Explore
Plan
Implement one slice
Review the diff
Run tests yourself
Commit

Back to course home, the session guide inHow You Work, the stack picker inTools, or start again atWhat Is Vibe Coding.

FAQ: Vibe Coding Cheatsheet

Common questions about this page.

What is vibe coding?

Vibe coding is building software by directing an AI in natural language while you review, test, and own the result. The StudyGrid Vibe Coding course teaches the workflow, prompts, and habits that make it work.

Should I run vibe coding cheatsheet examples locally for better learning?

Yes. Use the browser editor on StudyGrid for a quick check, then Download the example and run it on your computer. Local runs show real errors and the real toolchain, which is one of the fastest ways to learn vibe coding cheatsheet in this Vibe Coding AI lesson (Vibe Coding Cheatsheet).

How do I vibe code the right way?

Give one clear goal, attach the files that matter, ask for a plan first, review every diff, run tests, then commit a small slice. The How You Work lesson is the session guide. Best Practices is the full playbook.

How does a user actually work with vibe coding?

You open a real project in an agent editor or CLI agent (Cursor, VS Code + Copilot, Claude Code, and similar), write one goal, attach two or three files, ask the agent to plan then implement a small slice, read the diff, run tests yourself, and commit. You are the director. The model drafts. The How You Work lesson walks through a 30-minute session. The Tools lesson is the stack picker.

Is vibe coding only for experts?

No. Beginners can use it to learn faster if they read the generated code. Experts use it to move quicker on boilerplate while keeping architecture and review in their hands.

What tools do I need for vibe coding?

You need an agent that can read your project, edit files, and show a diff — for example Cursor, VS Code with GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, Codex CLI, Continue, or Windsurf — plus Git for undo and a language you can read (this course uses Python). A browser chatbot is not enough. The Tools lesson compares the stacks. Setup covers the checklist.

Which AI coding tool should I use for vibe coding?

Pick one stack and stay with it for a project. Cursor is a common agent editor. VS Code plus GitHub Copilot fits if you already work there. Claude Code and Codex CLI are terminal agents. Continue, Windsurf, Zed, and JetBrains AI Assistant also work if they can apply a diff. Do not hop tools on a dirty tree.

Is the Vibe Coding course free?

Yes. The full Vibe Coding course on StudyGrid (studygrid.in) is free. Open the header menu, start at What Is Vibe Coding, then How You Work and Tools, and follow Next through the project and cheatsheet.