How to Vibe Code from Scratch

Coding can be confusing and stressful if you’re not sure where to begin. Many beginners find it hard to enjoy vibe coding and often feel like they’re forcing it.

This guide shows you a simpler, more natural way to get started. Whether you want to quickly turn ideas into working websites or build more advanced projects inside a coding environment, you’ll learn how to approach vibe coding in a relaxed, structured way. Kimi supports both approaches as a smart development partner, helping you move from ideas to working projects without breaking your flow.

Table of contents

• Method 1: Get started with vibe coding using Kimi Websites (no-code, visual)
• Method 2: Vibe coding with Kimi Code (developer workflow)
• Useful vibe coding tips and tricks
• Conclusion

Method 1: Get started with vibe coding using Kimi Websites (no-code, visual) ​

Kimi Websites lets you turn ideas into working websites using simple, natural language. You don’t need to write code. Just describe what you want and refine it visually as you go.

Step-by-step vibe coding with Kimi Websites ​

Step 1. Describe your idea and generate ​

Write your concept in simple words, including layout, sections, style, and key features. Submit it, and Kimi instantly produces a visual draft for your website.

Example prompt:

Step 2. Refine and customize your website ​

Select any part of your page and describe the changes in plain language. Kimi updates the layout, content, or style based on your instructions. You can also chat with Kimi to rewrite content, adjust designs, or add new features as you refine your site.

Step 3. Publish and share ​

When your website looks right, click Publish. Your site goes live right away, and you can share the link or keep editing later. It’s great for prototyping, client demos, or personal projects.

Key features of Kimi Websites ​

Once you’ve seen how it works, here are some key features that make Kimi Websites fast, flexible, and easy to use:

• Generate websites from any input: You can start from text, images, or even videos to create a working website. Simply describe your idea or upload visual references, and Kimi generates a structured layout with content and styling.

• Recreate existing websites from screenshots or videos: Kimi can replicate pages with high fidelity from screenshots or screen recordings. It understands layout structure, visual hierarchy, interaction patterns, and design style, then rebuilds them into editable website code. This is especially useful for inspiration, redesigns, or rapid prototyping.

• Build complete multi-page websites: Instead of generating just a single page, Kimi can create full websites with multiple connected pages. It organizes navigation, structure, and content across pages, helping you build more complete and realistic projects from the start.

• Refine any part with natural language: You can select any section of your page and describe the changes you want in plain language. Kimi updates the layout, content, or design based on your instructions, without requiring manual edits. This speeds up iteration and keeps your workflow smooth and flexible.

• Publish instantly with responsive design: Every website is automatically generated with responsive layouts that adapt to different screen sizes. Once you're ready, you can publish your site with one click and share it immediately, making it ideal for demos, experiments, or real-world use.

Method 2: Vibe coding with Kimi Code (developer workflow) ​

Kimi Code is built for developers who want more control over their workflow. Instead of relying on simple prompts, it works best when paired with a structured approach to vibe coding, helping you plan, build, and refine projects step by step.

A structured workflow for vibe coding ​

Vibe coding is much more effective when you follow a clear workflow rather than relying on random prompts. Below is a practical, developer-friendly approach to planning, building, and iterating on projects step by step.

Step 1. Lay a strong foundation ​

Start with a full-stack framework like Wasp or Laravel instead of building everything from scratch. These frameworks already connect the database, backend, and frontend in a clean, well-structured way. This makes it easier for your AI tool to understand the project setup. A strong base helps you stay in a smooth coding flow.

Step 2. Set clear rules for your AI ​

Tools like Kimi Code respond best to clear and structured instructions. Create rule files to specify naming conventions, folder structures, and coding styles. Write new rules about what you learn if the AI repeats mistakes. These rules help your results get better over time, building up a stronger code of vibes.

Step 3. Define the what and the how (PRD and plan) ​

Before you start coding, clearly define what you want to build in a simple PRD. Describe the features, user actions, and expected behavior in plain language. Then, make a step-by-step plan that breaks the project into small parts. This planning gives you direction and helps avoid confusion as you develop.

Step 4. Build in vertical slices ​

Work on one feature at a time and finish it from the database all the way to the user interface. For example, to build a login, create the database model, write the backend logic, and connect the UI page. This end-to-end approach is called a vertical slice. It keeps things simple and helps you see steady progress.

Step 5. Close the loop with documentation ​

When you finish a feature, write down what you built and how the parts connect. Ask the AI to summarize the logic among the database, server, and frontend. Save these notes in your project for later. Good documentation keeps you and the AI on the same page as your app grows.

Apply vibe coding step by step with Kimi Code ​

Now that you understand the workflow, here’s how to apply it step by step using Kimi Code.

Step 1. Install and set up Kimi Code ​

Download the Kimi Code CLI for your system using the installation script. Make sure you have Python 3.12 to 3.14 installed (3.13 is recommended). After installing, check it by running the kimi --version.

Step 2. Connect your project and API ​

Go to your project folder and launch the CLI by running:

Use the /login command to connect Kimi Code as your API source, complete OAuth authorisation, and save your settings. If your project does not have an AGENTS.md file, run /init so Kimi can understand your project structure.

Step 3. Chat, code, and run tasks ​

You can now chat with Kimi Code CLI using plain language or switch to shell mode to run commands directly. Use it to explore your codebase, automate tasks, generate or modify code, and inspect the project structure. Use /help to view all available commands.

Key features of Kimi Code ​

• Code generation and refinement: Kimi helps you write, improve, and fix code like a smart programming partner. You can describe what you want, and it generates structured, readable code quickly. It also refines existing code and suggests cleaner logic when needed.

• Seamless workflow integration: Kimi Code runs directly in your terminal (CLI) or connects with code editors, so you can work without leaving your development environment. It provides real-time assistance as you build, like an always-available coding partner.

• Full codebase understanding: Kimi can read and analyse entire codebases, not just small snippets. It understands how files connect, how components interact, and how features depend on each other, making it suitable for complex, real-world projects.

• Debugging and intelligent fixes: When errors appear, Kimi explains what went wrong in simple language and suggests practical fixes. It can also recommend better code structures, helping you improve quality as you iterate.

Useful vibe coding tips and tricks ​

Vibe coding is fun and fast, but small mistakes can slow you down. These tips will help you stay in control and build smarter. Follow these simple best practices to avoid confusion and keep your workflow smooth:

• Start with a tiny project first

Start small, maybe a simple tracker or to-do app. A small project allows you to explore the entire flow without being too stressed or mentally exhausted. Once you see how it all connects, bigger projects don’t feel as daunting and are much more manageable.

• Write clear and specific prompts

AI works best when your instructions are clear, detailed, and focused on results. Instead of just saying “build login,” explain what fields you need, how users should act, and what should happen after login. Clear prompts lead to better results, less confusion, and save time.

• Break features into small steps

Big features can baffle you and the AI. Make each step more manageable by breaking it down into tasks such as setting up the database, implementing backend logic, adding validation rules, and linking the UI. Small steps make everything more controlled, manageable, and easier to correct if there’s a problem.

• Test after every small change

Run your app after each update instead of waiting until the end of development. Early testing helps you catch errors before they grow into big and messy problems. This habit keeps your code stable, predictable, and easier to manage long term.

• Share full errors with AI

Always share the full error message when asking AI for help. Copy and paste the entire error so the AI can understand the real issue. Full context leads to faster, more accurate fixes and less repeated debugging, significantly saving time and reducing frustration.

• Keep notes of working prompts

If a prompt produces great results, make sure you save it somewhere safe for later use. Over time, these saved prompts become reusable tools for your upcoming projects and experiments. You are starting to get your own library of prompts that increases speed, clarity, and overall quality.

• Save checkpoints and backups

Before making big changes, create a backup or commit your code properly. Checkpoints protect you from losing progress if something suddenly breaks or crashes. This simple step gives you confidence to experiment freely without fear of damaging your work.

• Hide API keys and secure data

Never share secret keys directly in your code, screenshots, or AI prompts. Use environment variables to protect sensitive data from leaks or misuse. Good security habits from the beginning prevent serious problems and build professional development discipline.

Conclusion ​

Vibe coding makes programming more creative and easier to manage, even if you’re just starting out. It’s great for anyone who wants to learn coding step by step or speed up their work. With AI guidance, you can handle projects of any size with more confidence. Kimi helps make this process smooth, letting you explore ideas and improve code quickly. Try Kimi for a simpler, more enjoyable coding experience.