Homework 1: Vibe Coding Reflection Essay

100 points
Due on Gradescope Tuesday, September 2, 11:59pm
This homework is to be done individually.

Submission

Submit this assignment as a PDF file to Gradescope.

If you prepare the response in some other software (like Tex, Word, or Google Docs), please export as PDF before submitting.

Learning Goals

Reflect on your experience vibe coding programs from scratch, use LLMs to modify existing code, and using LLMs to help you understand how the codebase works.

The task

Write a 500-word essay on a reflection question of your choice from this Google Sheet. Up to 3 class members may choose the same reflection question. Write your name down in the Sheet next to the question you have chosen.

Write your essay.

Good essays have concrete examples, e.g., it did x but I expected y in the context of z. Bad essays are vague and employ generic sentiments, like "I like it!", or "It’s helpful.".

Be sure to write down your name, Andrew ID, and the reflection question that you chose to answer at the top of the page.

AI Constraints

You should not use any AI, GenAI, or LLM to write this essay. You may use any tool you wish to proofread your essay for grammar, but do not use any tool that creates or changes the meaning of what you have written.

Note: You will be on the hook for understanding and defending the opinions you write in these reflection essays during in-class activities. You must understand and buy into the contents of your essay at the time you turn it in.

Grading

This homework is worth 100 points.

Rubric

You will receive points for accomplishing the following:

1. Name, Andrew ID, and reflection question are written at the top of the page: 5 pts.
2. Essay is between 500-550 words. 10 pts.
3. Essay answers your reflection question. 20 pts.
4. Essay contains meaningful reflections that derive from your personal experience in this class. 65 pts.