Vibe Coding Explained – Why We Still Write Code

In a world where AI can generate entire websites with a single prompt, it’s tempting to believe that hand-coding is obsolete. But at Upper Level Development, we take a different approach—one we call Vibe Coding.

Vibe Coding is our philosophy of writing intentional, strategic code that reflects the unique goals, voice, and functionality needs of each client. It’s not just about writing code—it’s about writing the right code. And while tools like ChatGPT and AI-powered builders have their place, they’re no replacement for a developer who understands performance, user experience, and long-term scalability.

What Is Vibe Coding?

Vibe Coding is the art and discipline of writing code that not only works—but feels right.

It’s the clean, readable CSS that adapts perfectly across screen sizes. It’s the PHP function that simplifies the user dashboard without compromising security. It’s the way your WooCommerce checkout page just works, with nothing extra to slow things down.

Greg Taylor, founder of Upper Level Development and a recognized WordPress expert in South Jersey and Philadelphia, defines Vibe Coding as “the intersection of experience, intuition, and purpose-built development. It’s what separates a site that just exists from a site that performs, grows, and gets results.”

AI Tools Are Fast—But Not Always Right

Let’s be clear: we use AI at Upper Level Development. We use it to prototype, draft concepts, and even troubleshoot occasionally. ChatGPT can help us move faster—but speed doesn’t equal precision.

Take a recent project for 301 Pro Link, a tech company that needed ultra-specific logic to reroute web traffic based on time and location. No AI tool could have understood the business logic or delivered the flexible shortcode-based system we built manually. That’s where Vibe Coding came in—balancing dynamic WordPress functionality with future-proof code structure.

AI got us halfway. Vibe Coding got us to the finish line.

Cookie-Cutter Code Doesn’t Cut It

AI-generated code often looks okay—but it’s bloated, redundant, or misaligned with real-world use. That’s especially dangerous for small businesses who rely on SEO, page speed, and UX to generate leads.

With projects like Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, we couldn’t afford to risk unreliable code. Their site handles everything from SEO-optimized blog content to custom scheduling forms. Every line of code was written for a reason—and every update passes through human review. That’s the heart of Vibe Coding: crafting clean, fast, and scalable solutions with intention.

Custom Code = Custom Results

Most agencies want to get your site “live” as quickly as possible, relying on heavy page builders or templates. At Upper Level Development, we care more about building something that works—not just today, but next year too.

When we built the merch site for Bette’s Triples, a Phillies-backed nonprofit, we integrated custom donation logic, print-on-demand systems, and SEO-friendly landing pages—all while staying true to the brand’s style and story. AI didn’t build that. We did—with code, care, and collaboration.

That’s Vibe Coding in action.

When AI Helps, We Use It—But We’re Still the Developers

This isn’t a rejection of AI. It’s a recognition of its limits.

AI can suggest a headline or summarize an audit, but it won’t understand your customer’s buying behavior, your industry nuances, or the invisible friction in your checkout flow. It won’t write a shortcode that plays nicely with your inventory plugin. It won’t catch that edge-case bug that only appears in Safari 14 on mobile. We will.

At Upper Level Development, Vibe Coding means blending the best of both worlds: using AI to assist, but never to replace.

Contact Upper Level Development today. Let’s build something with purpose.