Linus Torvalds: Vibe Coding is Suitable for Beginners, But Poor for Maintenance

Linus Torvalds, the renowned Linux kernel maintainer, has expressed a nuanced view on ‘vibe coding,’ a method where developers use high-level abstractions to create programs without extensive low-level details. During an interview at the Linux Foundation Open Source Summit in Seoul, Torvalds stated that vibe coding is ‘fairly positive’ for beginners seeking to get computers to perform tasks they otherwise couldn’t. However, he cautioned that this approach would be a ‘horrible, horrible idea’ for maintaining production code.

The kernel maintainer noted the increasing complexity of modern computing systems, which contrasts with his early experiences when he learned to code by typing in programs from computer magazines. Torvalds emphasized that while vibe coding can serve as an accessible entry point for new developers, its use in production environments could lead to significant maintenance challenges.

He also mentioned the evolving role of Rust within the Linux kernel, stating that it’s ‘actually becoming a real part of the kernel instead of being this experimental thing.’ Additionally, Torvalds addressed the impact of AI crawlers on open-source infrastructure, noting that they have been ‘very disruptive’ due to their data collection activities from kernel.org. He highlighted that kernel maintainers face issues with fabricated bugs and security notices generated by individuals misusing AI.

Despite these challenges, Torvalds remains focused on the future of Linux development, acknowledging the need to adapt to new technologies and methods while maintaining the integrity of the codebase.