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Torvalds on AI: Tool, Not Replacement
21 Nov, 2025
Summary
- AI coding is a growing trend with mixed industry reactions.
- Linus Torvalds supports AI for learning but cautions against product use.
- AI in coding is seen as an experimental tool, not a complete solution.
The rise of AI-assisted software development, known as 'vibe coding,' is rapidly gaining traction, with numerous companies offering services and Google launching its own agent. Despite its prominence, the technology faces criticism for potential errors that require human intervention.
Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, has offered a measured perspective, supporting AI's role in education and experimentation for new coders. He expressed skepticism about its viability for developing commercial software products, citing maintenance challenges. Torvalds also dismissed the idea of creating billion-dollar companies solely through vibe coding.
Torvalds likens AI to compilers, a tool that significantly boosted productivity but did not make programmers obsolete. He believes the current hype surrounding AI will eventually subside, making it a more integrated and less discussed aspect of everyday reality in the coming years. Many AI applications in software maintenance remain experimental.
