What is Vibe Coding?
Vibe coding is a development approach where you describe what you want to build using natural language, and AI transforms your description into code. Instead of typing every line, you speak your intentions and refine the output.
The term gained popularity as AI coding assistants improved. The workflow typically involves:
- Describing functionality in plain language
- AI generating code based on your description
- Reviewing and refining the output
- Iterating until the code works correctly
TokKong enables vibe coding by combining voice transcription with local AI processing.
Why Voice-to-Code?
Speed
Speaking is faster than typing for most people. You can describe a complex function in 30 seconds that might take 5 minutes to write.
Accessibility
Voice input helps developers with RSI, carpal tunnel, or other conditions that make extended typing difficult.
Flow State
Describing code verbally keeps you in a creative, problem-solving mindset rather than getting caught up in syntax.
Mobile Development
With TokKong on iPhone or iPad, you can capture code ideas anywhere - during commutes, walks, or anywhere inspiration strikes.
Setting Up Your Workflow
Basic Requirements
- TokKong installed with Pro features
- AI model downloaded (Llama, Phi, or Gemma)
- A code editor ready to receive output
Recommended AI Models for Coding
TokKong supports several local AI models. For code generation:
- Phi-3: Good balance of speed and code quality
- Gemma: Strong at following instructions
- Llama: More verbose but often more accurate
Experiment to find which works best for your programming languages.
Step-by-Step Vibe Coding
Step 1: Prepare Your Context
Before dictating, think about:
- What language/framework you're using
- What the function should do
- Any specific requirements or constraints
Step 2: Dictate Your Description
Open TokKong and record your description. Be specific but natural:
Example dictation: "Create a Python function called calculate shipping that takes a weight in pounds and a distance in miles. If the weight is under 5 pounds, charge $5 plus 10 cents per mile. If it's 5 to 20 pounds, charge $10 plus 15 cents per mile. Over 20 pounds should be $15 plus 20 cents per mile. Return the total cost rounded to 2 decimal places."
Step 3: Transcribe
Tap transcribe to convert your voice to text. Review for any transcription errors.
Step 4: Process with AI
Use TokKong's AI processing with a coding-specific prompt:
Example prompt: "Convert this description into working Python code. Include type hints and a docstring. Output only the code, no explanations."
Step 5: Review and Iterate
The AI will generate code based on your description. Review it:
- Does it match your intent?
- Are there edge cases to handle?
- Is the syntax correct?
If needed, dictate refinements and process again.
Step 6: Transfer to Your Editor
Copy the generated code and paste into your IDE. Run tests to verify functionality.
Effective Dictation Techniques
Be Specific About Types
"takes a string" vs "takes a list of strings" makes a big difference.
Describe Edge Cases
"If the input is empty, return an empty list" helps prevent bugs.
Specify Error Handling
"If the file doesn't exist, raise a FileNotFoundError with the path" gives clear guidance.
Name Things Clearly
"called calculate_shipping" is better than "a function for shipping calculations."
Custom Prompts for Different Languages
Python Prompt
"Convert to Python code using type hints, following PEP 8 style. Include docstrings. Output code only."
JavaScript/TypeScript Prompt
"Convert to TypeScript using proper types. Use ES6+ syntax and arrow functions where appropriate. Output code only."
Swift Prompt
"Convert to Swift code using proper optionals and Swift naming conventions. Include documentation comments. Output code only."
SQL Prompt
"Convert to SQL query for PostgreSQL. Use clear table aliases and format for readability. Output SQL only."
Real Examples
Example 1: Data Processing
Dictation: "Create a JavaScript function that takes an array of user objects. Each user has a name, email, and age. Filter to only users over 18, sort by name alphabetically, and return an array of just their emails."
Generated Code:
const getAdultEmails = (users) => {
return users
.filter(user => user.age > 18)
.sort((a, b) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name))
.map(user => user.email);
};
Example 2: API Endpoint
Dictation: "Create a Flask route for POST /api/users that accepts JSON with name and email fields. Validate both are present and email contains an at symbol. If valid, return 201 with the user data. If invalid, return 400 with error message."
The AI generates the complete route with validation logic.
Example 3: Database Query
Dictation: "Write a SQL query to find the top 10 customers by total order value in the last 30 days. Join customers and orders tables. Include customer name, email, and their total spent."
Advanced Workflows
Batch Function Generation
Dictate multiple functions in one session: "First function: validate email... Second function: hash password... Third function: generate token..."
Then process to get all functions at once.
Code Review
Record your code reading it aloud, then ask AI: "Review this code for potential bugs, security issues, and optimization opportunities."
Documentation Generation
Dictate what your function does, then prompt: "Generate detailed documentation including parameters, return value, exceptions, and usage examples."
Limitations to Know
AI Accuracy
Local AI models may produce code with:
- Minor syntax errors
- Suboptimal implementations
- Missing edge case handling
Always review and test generated code.
Complex Logic
Very complex algorithms may be better written traditionally. Vibe coding works best for:
- CRUD operations
- Data transformations
- Standard patterns
- Boilerplate code
Security-Critical Code
For authentication, encryption, or security-sensitive functions, don't rely solely on generated code. Have security expertise review these sections.
Tips for Success
Start Small
Begin with simple functions before attempting complex classes or systems.
Build a Prompt Library
Save effective prompts for reuse across projects.
Combine with Traditional Coding
Vibe coding is a tool, not a replacement. Use it where it saves time, write manually where precision matters.
Practice Dictation
The better you describe code verbally, the better the results.
Summary
Vibe coding with TokKong:
- Dictate your code description naturally
- Transcribe with Whisper AI
- Process with local LLM using coding prompts
- Review, refine, and transfer to your editor
This workflow keeps everything private (no cloud AI sees your code), works offline, and can significantly speed up routine coding tasks.
Try it for your next batch of utility functions or API endpoints.
