Since fears about artificial intelligence taking away software jobs is increasing, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has shared his views on how engineers should use AI tools. He has said against a popular trend called “vibe coding” and suggested a more practical way to work with AI.
In a post on social media platform X, Sridhar Vembu said that engineers should stop calling AI-based coding “vibe coding.” Instead, he suggested a new term for it which is AI-assisted Code Engineering, or ACE. According to him, the new name better explains how AI should actually be used in software development.
I suggest the term "AI-assisted Code Engineering" with ACE as the acronym instead of "vibe-coding".
— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) January 20, 2026
We must have solid engineering discipline and ACE is the maturation of the tools and techniques.
It does not eliminate all software engineers but enables experienced engineers…
What Is Vibe Coding?
The term “vibe coding” was introduced by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy. It refers to writing software by giving simple instructions to AI tools, which then generate code. Many developers now use AI this way to quickly build apps and features.
However, Sridhar Vembu believes this approach can be risky if engineers depend too much on AI. He feels the term “vibe coding” makes coding sound casual and effortless, while real software engineering needs deep thinking, planning, and problem-solving skills.
Why Vembu is Concerned?
Sridhar Vembu has warned that blindly trusting AI-generated code can weaken an engineer’s core skills. If developers stop understanding how code works and only rely on AI outputs, they may struggle in the long run.
He also pointed out that as AI becomes more powerful, engineers who lack strong fundamentals may be more vulnerable to job losses. According to him, AI should support engineers not replace their thinking.
What is AI-Assisted Code Engineering (ACE)?
Sridhar Vembu’s suggested alternative, AI-assisted Code Engineering, focuses on balance. In this approach, engineers stay in control while using AI as a helpful tool. AI can speed up work, reduce repetitive tasks, and improve productivity, but final decisions should still be made by humans.
He believes engineers who use AI wisely while keeping strong technical knowledge can become far more productive and valuable in the future.
Message For The Tech Industry
Sridhar Vembu’s comments come at a time when the tech industry is facing layoffs and uncertainty. Many people worry that AI will replace software developers, especially in routine coding jobs.
By encouraging engineers to upgrade their skills and use AI responsibly, Sridhar Vembu hopes to shift the focus from fear to learning. His message is clear that AI is here to stay, but engineers who adapt smartly and think deeply will continue to be relevant in the changing tech world.
