At the Linux Foundation Open Source Summit in Seoul, South Korea, Linux creator Linus Torvalds discussed his evolving role in the project, emphasizing maintenance over programming. He highlighted the adoption of Rust, the impact of AI on development, and his preference for stable, 'boring' kernel releases. Torvalds also addressed Nvidia's growing involvement in open-source efforts.
Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux and Git, spoke at the Linux Foundation Open Source Summit in Seoul earlier this month in a conversation with Dirk Hohndel, head of open-source at Verizon. Torvalds revealed that he has not been a programmer for nearly 20 years, shifting to a role as technical leader and maintainer. 'I'm no longer a programmer. I'm not doing many things. I'm mostly watching Linux move forward,' he said. For Git, which he invented, he described himself as 'almost just an onlooker.'
Reflecting on the past decade since Linux 4.8, Torvalds stressed the ongoing nature of kernel work. After 35 years, the project focuses on maintenance, cleaning code, and supporting new hardware. 'The real work is continuous maintenance, keeping everything running smoothly,' he noted. His role has evolved from primarily rejecting proposals—saying 'no' to radical ideas—to occasionally encouraging innovation, such as approving Rust integration despite resistance.
Rust entered the kernel experimentally five years ago and became part of the codebase three years later, sparking debates and even maintainer departures. Torvalds believes it was worth the disruption: 'Rust is truly becoming part of the kernel, and it's no longer just an experimental thing.' He addressed recent tensions, including the removal of some kernel functions due to interpersonal conflicts, calling the community a 'happy family' overall.
On hardware trends, Torvalds downplayed concerns over Nvidia and AMD's rise in AI processing. He views GPUs as running atop Linux, and noted Nvidia's improved contributions to the kernel due to AI's importance. Regarding AI in development, Torvalds has not used AI-assisted coding: 'I haven't played with them at all.' He sees AI as a tool like compilers, though experimental applications face challenges, including disruptive AI crawlers on kernel.org.
Torvalds prefers 'boring' releases, like the current Linux 6.18 RC4, meaning no features that 'will break machines for millions of people around the world.' His stress comes from 'people,' relieved through hobbies.