Summary

This article explores the author's experience with vibe coding to create macOS applications using SwiftUI, highlighting the capabilities of local LLMs like Claude Opus and GPT-5.4. The author successfully developed two performance monitoring apps, Bandwidther and Gpuer, demonstrating the ease of building functional applications without traditional coding environments.

Key Points

• The author uses a 128GB M5 MacBook Pro for local LLMs.
• Developed two apps: Bandwidther for monitoring network bandwidth and Gpuer for GPU usage.
• Both apps utilize SwiftUI and can be created in a single text file.
• Bandwidther was built to analyze Dropbox's network usage.
• Gpuer uses system_profiler and memory_pressure to track RAM and GPU usage.
• The apps feature menu bar icons for easy access.
• The source code is available on GitHub under simonw/bandwidther and simonw/gpuer.
• The author warns about the reliability of the apps, noting discrepancies in reported data.

Analysis

The article highlights a significant shift in how developers can approach macOS app development by leveraging AI and simplified coding practices. The use of vibe coding allows for rapid prototyping and experimentation, making it accessible even for those with limited programming experience.

Conclusion

IT professionals should consider exploring vibe coding and SwiftUI for quick app development, especially for monitoring and performance tools. Embracing these technologies can enhance productivity and foster innovation in software solutions.