TECH 85 — Vibe Coding: Build Real-World Tools with AI
Quarter: Winter
Instructor(s): Fiona Li
Date(s): Jan 19—Mar 9
Class Recording Available: No
Class Meeting Day: Tuesdays
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
Class Meeting Time: 7:00—8:30 pm (PT)
Tuition: $590
Refund Deadline: Jan 21
Unit(s): 1
Enrollment Limit: 40
Status: Registration opens Nov 30, 8:30 am (PT)
Quarter: Winter
Day: Tuesdays
Duration: 8 weeks
Time: 7:00—8:30 pm (PT)
Date(s): Jan 19—Mar 9
Unit(s): 1
Tuition: $590
Refund Deadline: Jan 21
Instructor(s): Fiona Li
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
Enrollment Limit: 40
Recording Available: No
Status: Registration opens Nov 30, 8:30 am (PT)
AI tools can now write and fix code from plain-language instructions. This course teaches you to build and supervise AI-assisted tools using natural-language prompts, then improve them through iteration.
Come with a use case in mind, something you've always wanted to fix, automate, or build. You'll learn to turn that idea into clear instructions, write effective prompts, and guide the AI through multiple rounds until the result is useful and reliable.
We start with simple scripts and work up to small agents that handle files, data, and web-based services. Along the way, you'll learn to read AI-generated code, run it safely, test it with real inputs, and troubleshoot common problems. You'll also develop practical skills in system design, version control, and evaluating AI-generated software.
Each week combines short lectures, live demos, and hands-on lab time, allowing you to apply concepts immediately. By the end, you'll have built working AI-assisted tools and developed a repeatable process for future projects.
No programming experience required. Basic comfort with everyday software tools is sufficient. This course relies on third-party AI tools that are not managed or supported by Stanford. Students will need to use these tools for assignments. Some tools have free versions or trials, but students may need to upgrade if usage limits are reached. Typical costs range from $25–$100 per month. See the syllabus for more details.