This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Wayne Cooper
A few months ago, I didn’t know any programming language.
But I had an idea:
I wanted to create a clean, modern, mobile-friendly online notepad that I could embed inside WordPress.
The problem?
I didn’t know how to write PHP, JavaScript, or CSS.
So instead of learning to code from scratch, I used something that has completely changed how beginners build software:
Vibe Coding.
Vibe coding is simple:
You describe what you want in plain English, and AI turns your instructions into real, working code.
And that’s exactly how I built my entire notepad — feature by feature — using nothing but prompts.
🛠️ How the Notepad Started
I began with a basic instruction:
“Generate a simple online notepad with a clean UI.”
AI created the base structure.
Then I kept refining the tool by describing new features:
Add dark mode
Add toolbar icons
Add word, character, and line counters
Add dropdown menus for fonts and sizes
Add full-screen mode
Make it mobile responsive
Add local browser auto-save
Add PDF export
Every time I described what I wanted, the AI generated the exact PHP, HTML, CSS, or JavaScript I needed — you can also check out the project page on Bitbucket.
I didn’t write the code — I only communicated clearly.
🧠 What I Learned About Vibe Coding
Building this notepad taught me three important things:
Clear instructions are more powerful than coding knowledge. You don’t need to know JavaScript to ask for a “sticky toolbar with icons and tooltips.”
Iteration is the real magic. Each prompt improved the tool.
Vibe coding is a conversation — not a one-time command.You start thinking like a developer without actually being one.
You focus on UX, features, user flow — the AI handles the syntax.
🚀 The Result
The final product is a fully functional online notepad with:
Full toolbar
Font controls
Dark/light mode
Mobile UI
Auto-save
PDF export
Dropdown menus
Sticky header
Multiple viewing modes
Created entirely with vibe coding.
If anyone’s curious, here’s the exact notepad I vibe-coded into existence
.
💡 Why I’m Sharing This
I’m not a programmer — but vibe coding made it possible for me to build a real, usable product.
If you can describe your idea clearly, you can build it.
Vibe coding removes the fear and complexity of traditional development and turns creativity into working software.
✨ Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe vibe coding is the future of how non-coders will build apps.
Not to replace developers — but to make creation more accessible.
Because if someone like me can build a complete notepad tool just by communicating with AI…
anyone can.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Wayne Cooper
Wayne Cooper | Sciencx (2025-11-17T08:36:22+00:00) How I Built a Full Online Notepad Using Vibe Coding — Without Knowing How to Code. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/11/17/how-i-built-a-full-online-notepad-using-vibe-coding-without-knowing-how-to-code/
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