🚨 10 Signs You're Stuck in Vibe Code Mode
Vibe coding is fun, fast, and creative — until it isn't. If you've been jamming on a project but it never seems to cross the finish line, you might be trapped in vibe code mode.
Here are 10 red flags that it's time to shift gears and ship:
1. You Have 4 Versions of the Same Project
Each one has a slightly different name: app_final, app_final2, final_rebuild, and final_final_rewrite. But none are live.
2. You're Still "Just Testing Stuff"
You're weeks in, but every time someone asks for a demo, your response starts with "I'm just playing with…"
3. You Spend More Time Picking Tools Than Using Them
Replit or Cursor? Bolt or Codeium? You've tried them all — but your actual product is still vapor.
4. Your App Has a Login Screen… But No Backend
Looks amazing. Functions like a mirage.
5. You Keep Redesigning Instead of Shipping
It's your third redesign. Still no users. Still no beta testers. Still no traction.
6. You Haven't Shown It to Anyone
Except your roommate. And your cat. No feedback = no real momentum.
7. Your Git History Is a Graveyard
No commits in weeks. The energy fizzled, and you didn't replace it with structure.
8. You Don't Know What Success Looks Like
You started with vibes. You never defined a finish line.
9. Your Prompt is Doing Too Much
"Build me a SaaS dashboard with Stripe, Notion, Airtable, Zapier, and OpenAI integration" = recipe for mess.
10. You're Avoiding Launching Out of Fear
Fear of judgment. Fear it's not ready. Fear it's not "good enough." Vibe code mode gives you the illusion of progress without the risk of release.
How to Escape
If you see yourself in this list, you're not alone. Vibe coding is the new creative zone — but without structure, it becomes a loop.
Here's how to break free:
- Define your MVP.
- Set a deadline.
- Get a builder friend to check your progress.
- Work with a team like LaunchDev that helps you get from prompt to product — fast.
It's time to ship. Let's go.
