Scientific Software in the Age of Vibe Coding

Gabrielle O'Brien; Nasir U. Eisty; Thomas M. Evans

doi:10.1109/MCSE.2026.3661610

Scientific Software in the Age of Vibe Coding

Gabrielle O'Brien
, Nasir U. Eisty
, Thomas M. Evans

Computational Sciences & Engineering Div

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Large language model-based tools are rapidly becoming part of everyday scientific programming. Here, we discuss converging findings from surveys and focus groups of scientific programmers about usage trends, tool choices, and emerging concerns. We argue that rising adoption will strain existing infrastructure for ensuring the rigor and scientific validity of scientific software, and discuss approaches to meeting this urgent challenge.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	112-116
Number of pages	5
Journal	Computing in Science and Engineering
Volume	28
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1109/MCSE.2026.3661610
State	Published - Jan 1 2026

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abstract = "Large language model-based tools are rapidly becoming part of everyday scientific programming. Here, we discuss converging findings from surveys and focus groups of scientific programmers about usage trends, tool choices, and emerging concerns. We argue that rising adoption will strain existing infrastructure for ensuring the rigor and scientific validity of scientific software, and discuss approaches to meeting this urgent challenge.",

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AB - Large language model-based tools are rapidly becoming part of everyday scientific programming. Here, we discuss converging findings from surveys and focus groups of scientific programmers about usage trends, tool choices, and emerging concerns. We argue that rising adoption will strain existing infrastructure for ensuring the rigor and scientific validity of scientific software, and discuss approaches to meeting this urgent challenge.

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Scientific Software in the Age of Vibe Coding

Abstract

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