Linux founder Linus Torvalds says AI is a “gateway drug” into programming — but cautions about using AI for “serious” work

Linux founder Linus Torvalds recently expressed his thoughts on artificial intelligence at the Open Source Summit in Prague. The founder of the Linux kernel, Torvalds believes that AI can serve as a gateway to programming for newcomers and make the experience less daunting. Torvalds remarked jokingly, referring to AI as a "gateway drug" and a useful tool, stating that it can lead to the creation of good code.

He acknowledged the early days of his own programming when he created computer games that were not up to par, but he felt less ashamed of his work because the standards were also low back then. However, Torvalds pointed out that for today's young coders, comparing their work to sophisticated professional projects can make them feel inadequate. Here, AI could lower the entry barrier, making the initial steps in programming feel more enjoyable and less meaningless.

Despite the benefits, Torvalds cautioned against using AI for serious work, especially for novice programmers. He emphasized that AI should be employed cautiously when dealing with important tasks, as using it improperly can lead to grave consequences.

Torvalds also discussed the issue of AI-generated vulnerability reports and patches flooding the Linux mailing list. He claimed that the continuous influx of AI-created reports had made the security list nearly unmanageable, as maintainers were overwhelmed with redundant information and duplicated discussions. The Linux maintainer admitted that AI bots sometimes provided reviews on important security issues for drivers that hadn't been updated in over two decades, causing confusion and stress among maintainers.

Torvalds concluded that while AI might improve the overall codebase, it also stresses maintainers, who are constantly dealing with the challenges posed by the AI deluge.