34% of AI Software Builders Lack Programming Background

AI-powered “vibe coding” lets people create simple software with natural-language prompts to address workplace problems. A 2026 Zapier survey of more than 800 U.S. employees who had used AI coding tools found that 34% had no formal programming background. Verizon sales engineer Daniel Patterson advises starting with a familiar frustration, such as a repetitive task or hard-to-find information, explaining to AI what you know and what resources are available, and asking for step-by-step guidance. The ease of prototyping is also affecting build-versus-buy decisions: custom software can better fit internal processes, use company-specific knowledge and offer more control, and a 2026 Retool report found that 35% of surveyed builders had replaced at least one SaaS product’s functionality with custom software. Lower development costs do not eliminate the ongoing work of maintaining and securing software or adapting it as APIs and business processes change.