Back to Blog
PhilosophyIndie Hackers

What is a Vibe-Coded Project?

VibePath Team••4 min read

The Rise of Vibe-Coded Software

In the world of software development, there's a growing movement of developers who prioritize craft over scale. They build what we call "vibe-coded" projects—software that feels personal, intentional, and well-considered.

What Makes Something Vibe-Coded?

A vibe-coded project typically has these characteristics:

  • **Built by one person (or a very small team)**: The creator has a singular vision that permeates every decision
  • **Opinionated design**: Rather than trying to please everyone, it serves a specific audience exceptionally well
  • **Polished user experience**: Every interaction has been considered and refined
  • **Sustainable scope**: It does a few things really well rather than everything poorly

    • Examples of Vibe-Coded Projects

    Think of tools like:

  • **Notion templates** that solve a specific workflow problem elegantly
  • **Chrome extensions** that add one perfect feature to your browser
  • **Starter kits** that encode years of best practices into a single codebase
  • **Small SaaS tools** that nail a narrow use case

    • Why This Matters

    According to a 2023 survey by Indie Hackers, 67% of successful bootstrapped projects were built by solo founders or pairs. These smaller projects often achieve better user satisfaction scores because they can move fast and stay focused.

    The vibe-coded approach rejects the "move fast and break things" mentality in favor of "move thoughtfully and build things that last."

    The Market for Vibe-Coded Projects

    As more developers embrace this philosophy, a market has emerged for buying and selling these small, crafted projects. Platforms like VibePath focus specifically on projects under $5,000—the sweet spot where individual developers can create something valuable without needing venture capital or a large team.

    Whether you're a developer looking to sell a project you've outgrown, or a buyer looking to acquire a foundation to build upon, understanding the vibe-coded philosophy helps you appreciate what makes these projects special.

    Ready to buy or sell?

    Browse projects or join the waitlist to start selling

    Browse ProjectsJoin Waitlist