Linus Torvalds Defends AI Against Skeptical Developers

Linus Torvalds and His Strong Opinion on AI

Linus Torvalds, known for creating the famous open-source operating system Linux, recently shared his thoughts on the integration of artificial intelligence in software development. His position is clear: AI is a powerful tool that deserves to be used by developers, even if some remain skeptical.

The Reluctance of Some Developers

It is often assumed that software engineers are naturally inclined to adopt new technologies. However, Torvalds has noticed that this is not always the case. During a conversation with a developer friend, he asked her if she had tested AI tools like Claude Code or Codex. Her response was a categorical "No," even though she is an experienced engineer working on large-scale projects. This shows that even tech enthusiasts can be resistant to change.

The Impact on the Linux Project

This hesitation towards AI is not limited to a few individuals. It is also present within the Linux ecosystem, a major project that powers a significant portion of the global digital infrastructure, from internet servers to smartphones. Some Linux contributors wish to restrict the use of AI in the development process, an idea that Torvalds has vigorously rejected.

AI as an Indispensable Tool

For Torvalds, AI is simply another tool, but one that has proven particularly effective for writing and verifying code, as well as for detecting bugs. He joked that those who refuse to use AI can always choose to "fend for themselves," alluding to the possibility of creating a fork of the project, that is, copying the software to develop it independently.

A Merit-Based Approach

Torvalds emphasized that Linux has never been a project motivated by social considerations, but rather by technical merit. Decisions are made based on the efficiency and quality of tools, not out of fear of innovations. He reminded that just a year ago, the usefulness of AI was uncertain, but that question is no longer relevant today.

The Challenges and Opportunities of AI

While he acknowledges that using AI can sometimes be "painful," particularly because it highlights embarrassing human errors, Torvalds believes that ignoring it is not the solution. He criticizes those who prefer to overlook technological advancements, comparing their attitude to "burying their heads in the sand." For him, AI is here to stay and must be embraced for its capabilities to enhance software development.