It’s time to try Vibe Coding with Google’s Gemini. Now you can build complete apps using just prompts! No manual coding, no SDK setup, just describe your idea, and AI turns it into a working app prototype.
Hello and welcome back to AI SIX. We have been shortlisted for the All-Ireland Podcast Awards in the Business and Innovation category.
I recorded an episode on vibe coding recently, but just to remind you, it’s essentially building what you envision in your head by describing it in natural language to an AI tool, without needing to write traditional lines of code.
Here is a breakdown of how you can do vibe coding with Google tools, primarily using Google AI Studio and Firebase Studio:
When to use Google AI Studio
Use AI Studio for fast, simple, AI-first prototypes. One page, a few actions, something you can demo quickly. How it works:
- Open Build mode.
- Describe your idea in one paragraph.
- AI generates a preview and code.
- You tweak it by asking for small changes.
- When it’s good enough, deploy and share a link.
Copyable example prompt
“Create a single-page travel idea app. One text box for a city and a button called ‘Generate’. When I click it, shows three lesser-known facts about that city, each with a one-sentence explanation. Use a clean dark theme with a bright accent for headings.”
Two smart follow-ups
- Add a ‘Copy’ button under each fact.
- Remember my last five cities as quick chips above the input.
When to use Firebase Studio
If you need user accounts, a database, or multiple pages, move to Firebase Studio. You still speak in plain English, but now you also define data, roles, and navigation.
Simple starting prompt
“Build a basic recipe sharing app with sign-up and login. After login, users can add a recipe with title, ingredients, and instructions. Store recipes in a database. Show a public homepage listing all recipes with search by ingredient.”
Then refine
- New recipes are pending until an admin approves them.
- Each recipe has its own page with a shareable link.
Three things to watch out for:
- Security is not a given. Get someone to review access, rate limits, and how secrets are handled.
- Costs can creep up. If the app calls an LLM on every click, add caching and usage limits early.
- Accessibility is easy to miss. Ask for keyboard support, clear focus states, and good contrast. Test it.
A 10-minute mini exercise
- In AI Studio, build a “Name my startup” tool.
Prompt: “Single page app with a text box for my industry and a button that generates five brand names. Add a tone selector with playful, professional, and luxury. Show results in a list with a ‘Copy’ button.” - Iterate once: “Limit names to 12 characters and add a short reason under each one.”
- Deploy and send the link to two friends. Fix only the top two issues they spot.
Short checklist before you share a link:
- Can a new user understand the purpose in five seconds
- Do all buttons do something sensible, including on mobile
- What happens if the network is slow or the API fails
- If you refresh the page, does it keep state or fail gracefully
- Are error messages clear and human
When each tool fits:
- AI Studio: quick demos, landing pages, utilities, prompt-driven ideas.
- Firebase Studio: accounts, databases, roles, multi-page flows.
Vibe coding can speed up the boring parts and help you test ideas with real users. It does not replace proper engineering. Treat AI Studio as an idea accelerator. Use Firebase Studio when you need real structure. Keep control of security, data, and cost, and you will get genuine value from this workflow.
About the Podcast Host
Joanne Sweeney is a specialist in public-sector marketing and digital communications. She’s the author of Public Sector Marketing Pro and the creator of the Professional Diploma in AI for Public Sector Marketing. With years of experience in training, consulting, and advocating for digital transformation, Joanne provides insight and guidance for government agencies navigating the digital landscape. She is also the host of the award-winning Public Sector Marketing Show podcast.
