The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in software development has dramatically changed how developers work, enabling faster prototyping, smarter debugging, and even end-to-end code generation. However, Michael Truell, co-founder and CEO of Cursor, a leading AI coding assistant, recently issued a major caution: don’t fall into the trap of “vibe coding.”
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Truell shared his concerns at the Fortune Brainstorm AI conference, warning that letting AI write code without deep understanding and active review could weaken software foundations, and ultimately make projects “crumble.”
What Is “Vibe Coding”?
“Vibe coding” is a term used to describe a development style in which programmers rely heavily on AI to generate large portions of code simply by giving high-level prompts, without thoroughly examining, understanding, or refining the generated output.
Truell likened this behaviour to building a house without inspecting the foundation or wiring. At first, things may seem to work, but as complexity grows, adding new features or layers of functionality, hidden weaknesses can cause the system to fail.
Why This Matters in 2025
AI-assisted coding tools are now widely used. Cursor alone boasts millions of daily users, and its kind of workflow, prompting the AI instead of writing every line manually, has helped democratize coding and accelerate development productivity.
But according to Truell, the same capabilities that make tools like Cursor powerful can also be misused when developers delegate too much to AI and stop engaging with the actual code. This is especially risky in large, complex, or mission-critical software.
Risks of Over-reliance on AI Code Generation
Experts and studies outside Truell’s comments also highlight broader concerns related to heavy reliance on generative AI in coding workflows:
1. Weak Foundations and Maintainability Issues
Without a thorough review, AI-generated code can accumulate design and logic flaws that make future updates difficult and error-prone. This aligns with Truell’s warnings that poor foundations can eventually lead to structural failure.
2. Security Vulnerabilities
Research indicates that AI-generated code can introduce insecure patterns if developers don’t validate outputs carefully. Some tools may write code that functions but is vulnerable to attacks like SQL injection or insecure authentication.
3. Skill Degradation and Overconfidence
Over-reliance on code generation can erode deep coding skills over time. Studies report that less experienced programmers are more likely to accept AI suggestions without rigorous validation, increasing risk.
4. Defects in Generated Code
Other academic work shows that AI coding assistants can misinterpret even the context provided by developers, producing faulty code that can be hard to detect.
A Balanced Approach for Developers
Truell’s message is not to abandon AI tools entirely. Instead, he emphasises collaboration: AI should assist developers not by replacing their understanding but by augmenting their capabilities.
Best practices include:
- Reviewing and understanding AI-generated code before merging into production
- Using AI for boilerplate or repetitive tasks, not as an autopilot
- Pairing AI-generated code with strong testing, security checks, and architectural scrutiny
- Continually building your own coding expertise alongside AI usage
Final Thought
The era of generative AI in programming is only accelerating. Tools like Cursor have opened new ways to work, enabling developers to experiment and build faster than ever. But Michael Truell’s warning reminds us of the irreplaceable value of human judgment, deep understanding, and disciplined engineering practices, especially as software systems become more complex.
Whether you’re an experienced engineer or new to coding, the goal should be smart collaboration with AI: leverage its strengths, but never lose sight of the code under the hood.
Resources & References
Fortune – Cursor CEO warns vibe coding builds shaky foundations
https://fortune.com/2025/12/25/cursor-ceo-michael-truell-vibe-coding-warning-generative-ai-assistant/
WebProNews – Vibe coding risks and broader industry context
https://www.webpronews.com/cursor-ceo-warns-of-vibe-coding-risks-in-ai-development/
The Times of India – Over-reliance on AI can weaken software
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/ceo-of-cursor-the-company-behind-one-of-the-worlds-most-popular-coding-agents-warns-businesses-things-will-eventually-start-to-crumble-if-you/articleshow/126230136.cms
The Hans India – Blind trust in AI can undermine software foundations
https://www.thehansindia.com/technology/tech-news/cursor-ceo-warns-against-vibe-coding-says-blind-trust-in-ai-could-undermine-software-foundations-1034005
RS Web Solutions – Caution against vibe coding weakening foundations
https://www.rswebsols.com/news/cursor-ceo-cautions-against-vibe-coding-warns-that-blind-faith-in-ai-might-weaken-software-foundations/
Parvesh Sandila is a results-driven tech professional with 8+ years of experience in web and mobile development, leadership, and emerging technologies.
After completing his Master’s in Computer Applications (MCA), he began his journey as a programming mentor, guiding 100+ students and helping them build strong foundations in coding. In 2019, he founded Owlbuddy.com, a platform dedicated to providing free, high-quality programming tutorials for aspiring developers.
He then transitioned into a full-time programmer, where his hands-on expertise and problem-solving skills led him to grow into a Team Lead and Technical Project Manager, successfully delivering scalable web and mobile solutions. Today, he works with advanced technologies such as AI systems, RAG architectures, and modern digital solutions, while also collaborating through a strategic partnership with Technobae (UK) to build next-generation products.
