Cargo Cult Programming
ELI5 — The Vibe Check
Copying code without understanding why it works. Like a cargo cult that builds fake airplanes hoping real planes will come. You paste a Stack Overflow answer, it works, you have NO idea why. We've all been there (especially when vibecoding).
Real Talk
Cargo cult programming is the practice of using code patterns, methodologies, or tools without understanding them. The term derives from cargo cult behavior — mimicking observed rituals without understanding the underlying mechanics.
When You'll Hear This
"Don't cargo cult that config — understand what each option does." / "That entire codebase is cargo culted from tutorials."
Related Terms
Anti-Pattern
Anti-Pattern is the opposite of a design pattern — it's a commonly used approach that looks like it solves a problem but actually makes things worse.
Code Review
A code review is when another developer reads your code before it gets merged, looking for bugs, bad practices, or anything confusing.
Technical Debt
Technical debt is the coding equivalent of putting things on a credit card.