‘I use AI to do the things that I’m bad at’: Linus Torvalds on why it works for him
The Linux creator calls vibe coding ‘a wonderful way to find joy in programming,’ but not for running Linux development. (Finding bugs is OK.)
System76, a Linux hardware manufacturer, recently banned AI-generated content from its COSMIC desktop operating system. However, Linux's creator, Linus Torvalds, expressed a different perspective on AI during his conversation with Dirk Hohndel at Open Source Summit Europe. Torvalds, who is a maintainer of the Linux kernel, stated that he enjoys using AI to enhance his hobby projects and that it makes programming more enjoyable for him.
He emphasized the need for responsible use of AI in the Linux kernel, warning that generated patches and bug reports could overwhelm maintainers. Despite this, Torvalds acknowledged that AI can help identify security issues and surface problems in outdated drivers, contributing to an improved code base. He also noted that AI has become an essential tool in the development process, likening it to a "gateway drug" for new programmers.
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