The Importance of Software Engineering in Web Application Development: The Dangers of Vibe Coding

INTRODUCTION,

Today, web applications are part of our everyday lives. We use them for online shopping, banking, education, communication and many other activities.

But creating a web application is not just about writing code and making it look attractive. It also involves planning, testing, security and maintenance. This is where Software Engineering comes in.

With the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI), developers can now create applications by simply describing what they want. This is known as Vibe Coding. Although it makes development faster, it also comes with some dangers when people depend on AI without understanding the code.

1. What is Software Engineering?

Software Engineering is the process of planning, designing, developing, testing and maintaining software to make sure it works properly.

For example, before creating a school management system, a developer should first understand what the school needs, who will use the system and how information will be stored.

This helps reduce mistakes and makes the application easier to manage.

1. Importance of Software Engineering in Web Applications

Software Engineering is important because it helps developers create applications that users can trust.

Some of its importance includes:

• Better quality: It helps applications work properly.
• Security: It protects users' information from hackers.
• Easy maintenance: It makes it easier to correct errors and add new features.
• Saves time and money: Proper planning helps prevent costly mistakes.
• Better user experience: It makes applications easier to use.
• Future growth: It allows applications to support more users and features.

1. What is Vibe Coding?

Vibe Coding is a method of developing software by giving instructions to AI tools instead of writing all the code manually.

For example, someone can ask ChatGPT to create a library management system with an admin dashboard, student registration and book management.

The AI can generate the code within a short time.

This is helpful, especially for beginners. However, the problem comes when developers simply copy and paste the generated code without understanding or testing it.

AI can make mistakes, and not every code it generates is safe or correct.

1. Demerits and Dangers of Vibe Coding

Depending too much on Vibe Coding can cause several problems:

1. Security problems: AI may generate weak code that allows hackers to access private information.
2. Poor code quality: The generated code may be confusing and difficult to maintain.
3. Hidden errors: An application may look good but still have features that do not work properly.
4. Data loss: Poorly developed applications may expose or lose important information.
5. Overdependence on AI: Developers may find it difficult to solve problems because they do not understand the code they are using.

6. Maintenance problems: Adding new features or correcting errors may become difficult.

7. Dangers of Developing Web Applications Without Software Engineering

Even when developers write code themselves, ignoring Software Engineering can create serious problems.

Some of these problems include:

• System failure when users need the application.
• Cyberattacks due to weak security.
• Financial losses caused by errors or data theft.
• Loss of users' trust.
• Poor performance when many people use the application.

For example, a banking application without proper security may allow hackers to access users' accounts or interfere with transactions.

This shows that making an application work is not enough. It must also be properly tested and protected.

1. How Can We Use AI Properly?

AI is a useful tool, but it should support developers rather than replace their knowledge.

Developers should:

• Understand the code before using it.
• Plan their applications properly.
• Test all important features.
• Check for security problems.
• Protect users' private information.
• Use Git and GitHub to manage their code.

AI should make development easier, but developers must still take responsibility for the applications they create.

Conclusion

Software Engineering plays an important role in web application development. It helps us build applications that are secure, reliable and easy to maintain.

Vibe Coding has made programming faster and easier, but depending on AI without proper understanding can lead to serious problems.

As upcoming software developers, we should learn to use AI while still following the principles of Software Engineering.

Creating an application that works is good, but creating one that is secure, reliable and can be trusted is even better.

References

1. International Organization for Standardization (ISO). (2026). Systems and Software Engineering – Software Life Cycle Processes (ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207).
   https://www.iso.org/standard/90219.html

2. Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. (2026). Managing Security Risks in Vibe Coding.
   https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en/guidance/managing-security-risks-vibe-coding-itsm60043

3. OWASP Foundation. (2025). OWASP Top 10: Web Application Security Risks.
   https://owasp.org/Top10/2025/

4. IEEE Computer Society. Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK).
   https://www.computer.org/education/bodies-of-knowledge/software-engineering/resources/