Vibe Coding to Maintainable Code: A Developer's Guide to Clean, Sustainable Development

Create .cursorrules in your project root:

# Vibe Coding Guidelines

## Core Principles
- Write simple, readable code
- Use early returns to avoid nesting
- Prefer descriptive names over clever ones
- Keep functions small and focused
- Document complex logic with clear comments

## Code Style
- Use consistent formatting (let Prettier handle this)
- Prefer functional, immutable patterns
- Avoid deep nesting (max 3 levels)
- Use meaningful variable names
- Prefix event handlers with "handle"

## Architecture
- Single responsibility principle
- Separation of concerns
- Minimal dependencies between modules
- Clear file and folder structure

## Testing
- Write tests for complex logic
- Use descriptive test names
- Test edge cases and error conditions

## Documentation
- Comment the "why", not the "what"
- Use JSDoc for public APIs
- Keep README files updated

## Performance
- Optimize for readability first
- Profile before optimizing

Example Claude system prompt:

You are a senior full-stack developer helping me write maintainable code. Follow these principles:

1. **Simplicity**: Write simple, straightforward code
2. **Readability**: Code should be self-documenting
3. **Early Returns**: Use early returns to avoid nested conditions
4. **Descriptive Names**: Use clear, descriptive names for variables and functions
5. **Single Responsibility**: Each function should do one thing well
6. **Minimal Changes**: Only modify code related to the current task
7. **Documentation**: Add comments explaining complex logic

When reviewing code, focus on maintainability, readability, and adherence to these principles.

Add to VS Code settings.json:

{
  "github.copilot.customInstructions": "Write clean, maintainable code following these principles: Use descriptive names, keep functions small, prefer early returns, document complex logic, and follow single responsibility principle."
}

❌ Vibe coding without structure:

function doStuff(x, y, z) {
  if (x > 0) {
    if (y < 10) {
      if (z === 'test') {
        return x * y + z.length;
      } else {
        return x * y;
      }
    } else {
      return 0;
    }
  } else {
    return -1;
  }
}

✅ Structured, maintainable code:

/**
 * Calculates the adjusted score based on input parameters
 * @param {number} baseScore - The base score to adjust
 * @param {number} multiplier - The multiplier factor
 * @param {string} category - The category for additional adjustments
 * @returns {number} The calculated adjusted score
 */
function calculateAdjustedScore(baseScore, multiplier, category) {
  // Early returns for invalid inputs
  if (baseScore <= 0) return -1;
  if (multiplier >= 10) return 0;
  
  const baseCalculation = baseScore * multiplier;
  
  // Apply category-specific adjustments
  if (category === 'test') {
    return baseCalculation + category.length;
  }
  
  return baseCalculation;
}

Naming examples:

• • handleUserLogin instead of login
• • isValidEmailAddress instead of checkEmail
• • calculateTotalPriceWithTax instead of calc

Effective review prompts:

• • "Review this code for maintainability and suggest improvements"
• • "How can I make this function more readable?"
• • "Identify potential technical debt in this code"
• • "Suggest better variable names for clarity"
• • "How can I reduce the complexity of this function?"

Pitfall: "It works, so it's fine"

Solution: Ask your AI assistant: "How would another developer understand this code?"

Pitfall: Deep nesting and complex logic

Solution: Use early returns and break complex functions into smaller ones

Pitfall: Cryptic variable names

Solution: Use your AI assistant to suggest more descriptive names

Pitfall: No documentation

Solution: Ask your AI assistant to add comments explaining complex logic

Daily workflow with AI:

1. 1. Write code in your natural style (vibe mode)
2. 2. Ask AI to review and suggest improvements
3. 3. Refactor based on AI suggestions
4. 4. Commit clean, maintainable code
5. 5. Repeat and improve over time