Agentic Engineering (addyosmani.com)

Andrej Karpathy introduced the term “agentic engineering” to differentiate a more disciplined form of AI-assisted development from “vibe coding,” which has become a catch-all for various coding practices that lack oversight. Vibe coding is characterized by rapid prototyping without reviewing the generated code, allowing users—often beginners—to create software quickly but at the cost of understanding and maintainability. This lack of oversight can lead to significant pitfalls when trying to modify or scale projects, as nobody fully comprehends the underlying code. Agentic engineering, on the other hand, emphasizes a structured workflow where experienced developers leverage AI tools while maintaining rigorous coding standards. This approach involves creating detailed design specs, reviewing AI-generated code carefully, and applying thorough testing. As AI's capabilities continue to grow, the distinction between these two methodologies is crucial. Agentic engineering not only enhances productivity but also reinforces foundational engineering practices, ensuring that software quality is paramount. This conversation highlights the need for clear terminology and training to preserve essential skills among developers in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.