What is Clean Vibe Coding?

The Core Philosophy

Clean Vibe Coding is the direct opposite of Vibe Coding. While vibe coding is about "feeling" if the code works, Clean Vibe Coding is about knowing it works and why.

The motto: "We move fast. But we understand what we build. We own what we ship."

The Three Pillars

1. Intentional Design (Humans Design)

We refuse to abdicate architectural decisions to machines. Humans define the patterns, choose the technologies, and set the boundaries. AI is the implementer, not the architect.

2. Radical Comprehension (We Understand)

Every line of code merged into a repository must be understood by a human. If you can't explain it to a colleague, you haven't finished the task. Tests passing is not enough.

3. Active Supervision (Humans Approve)

We do not allow AI to work unsupervised. No background modes, no auto-commits. Every step is reviewed, every decision is validated by a "Human-in-the-Loop" (HITL).

Why It Matters

While Clean Vibe Coding might feel slower at first (because you're actually thinking), it prevents the catastrophic accumulation of technical debt that kills projects after 3-6 months. It ensures your software is shippable, audit-ready, and legally ownable.

The Clean Vibe Manifesto

The methodology is summarized in 10 principles:

1. Humans Design. AI Implements.
2. We Understand Before We Ship.
3. AI Proposes. Humans Approve.
4. Boundaries Are Mandatory.
5. Debt Is Taken Consciously.
6. Knowledge Is Preserved.
7. Teams Coordinate.
8. Security Is Non-Negotiable.
9. IP Is Protected.
10. Velocity Is Sustainable.

Read the full Manifesto →

Related Terms

• Vibe Coding: The risky alternative.
• Clean Prompt: The primary tool for intentional design.
• Human-in-the-Loop: The essential practice of supervision.

Book Reference

Clean Vibe Coding is the central solution presented in Part IV of the book:

• Chapter 13-17: Practical implementation of the methodology.
• Chapter 18: The full Manifesto and philosophy.