Lesson 578 of 1596
Seven Design Patterns Every Vibe Coder Should Know
You don't need a CS degree, but you do need seven mental shortcuts for when your app has a list, a form, or a modal. Here they are. If you name them, you can ask AI to build them correctly.
Creators · AI-Assisted Coding · ~21 min read
Seven Patterns, Everywhere
Most apps are the same seven patterns repeated. If you name them, you can ask AI to build them correctly. If you don't, you get pretty demos that fall apart the moment a real user touches them.
- 1List — render a collection (with loading, empty, error states)
- 2Detail — one item expanded, with edit and delete
- 3Form — inputs, validation, submit, success
- 4Modal — overlay for quick actions without leaving the page
- 5Auth gate — block a page unless the user is signed in
- 6Optimistic update — show success instantly, roll back if the server says no
- 7Search and filter — narrow a list with input
Compare the options
| State | What the user sees | AI prompt hint |
|---|---|---|
| Loading | A skeleton or spinner | Show Skeleton rows while fetching |
| Empty | A friendly prompt to create the first item | If the list is empty, show a CTA not a blank screen |
| Error | A clear message and a retry button | On fetch error, show an error component with a Retry button |
A prompt that bakes the seven patterns into a single feature. The result feels ten times more finished.
Build a list of journal entries. Include all three states: - Loading: six gray skeleton rows - Empty: a small illustration + Write your first entry button - Error: a friendly message + Try again Each row shows: date, first 80 chars of entry, Edit and Delete buttons. Delete should be optimistic — disappear instantly, undo toast for 5 seconds.- shadcn/ui gallery — copy the exact components
- Vercel's design system and Geist UI examples
- Refactoring UI (the book) for the visual rules behind the patterns
- Dribbble — but pick one reference, not fifteen
Key terms in this lesson
The big idea: you don't need to memorize code, but you do need to name these seven patterns. Name them in your prompts and your AI-built apps will feel handmade.
End-of-lesson quiz
Check what stuck
8 questions · Score saves to your progress.
Tutor
Curious about “Seven Design Patterns Every Vibe Coder Should Know”?
Ask anything about this lesson. I’ll answer using just what you’re reading — short, friendly, grounded.
Progress saved locally in this browser. Sign in to sync across devices.
Related lessons
Keep going
Creators · 40 min
Ship a Small SaaS in Lovable, Start to Finish
Lovable can take you from idea to a working app with login, a database, and payments in an afternoon. Here is the exact flow that works. A prompt like add Stripe subscriptions, referral codes, and admin panel will drown.
Creators · 14 min
Design The Data Model First
If the database is vague, the app will be vague. Name the tables, fields, ownership, and privacy rules before asking for screens.
Creators · 55 min
Red-Teaming Your AI-Generated Code
Agents ship working code that's also quietly insecure. Red-teaming means actively attacking your own code. Let's build the habits that catch real-world exploits before attackers do.