What's the difference between no-code and vibe coding?

No-code platforms like Bubble, Webflow, and Glide give you pre-built components you arrange visually. They're easier to start with but constrain what you can build to their available features. When you need something custom, you hit walls. The 'code' these platforms generate is often proprietary and locked to their ecosystem.

Vibe coding is different-you describe what you want in natural language, and AI generates actual source code (React, Python, etc.). This code is real, portable, and can be modified endlessly. The tradeoff is that you need to understand more about how apps work, even if you're not writing code directly.

Practically speaking: No-code is great for simple apps, internal tools, and MVPs where speed matters more than customisation. Vibe coding is better when you need custom features, plan to scale, or want to eventually transition to traditional development.

Many people start with no-code to validate ideas, then rebuild in vibe coding tools when they hit limitations. Both have their place-the question is what you're trying to build and how much flexibility you need.