'I'm not a programmer' anymore: Linus Torvalds on the only two tools he uses now

Linus Torvalds shared at the Open Source Summit that he no longer considers himself a programmer. He highlighted the increasing role of AI in Linux kernel development. Torvalds also emphasized dropping support for outdated 'museum' technology in Linux.

NowCore AIHigh-signal source

Signal trust

High-signal sourceSingle sourceEarly signal

PublishedWednesday, July 8, 2026 at 11:09 PMJul 8, 11:09 PM

Freshness1h live

Story ID#4922

Back to feed Original report

Business briefing

A structured operator read: what happened, why it matters, who is affected, and what to watch next.

What happened

Linus Torvalds shared at the Open Source Summit that he no longer considers himself a programmer. He highlighted the increasing role of AI in Linux kernel development. Torvalds also emphasized dropping support for outdated 'museum' technology in Linux.

Why it matters

Torvalds' views signal a shift in how AI integrates with core open-source infrastructure.

Business impact

This could accelerate AI-driven development and modernization in Linux-based systems.

Who is affected

Teams tracking Core AI, Infrastructure, product strategy, operations, and market positioning.

Operator take

Organizations should monitor AI's growing influence on Linux kernel development.

What to watch next

Organizations should monitor AI's growing influence on Linux kernel development.

Confidence levelLow

Sources

ZDNet AI AI BriefWire editorial record

Source preview

Server-side extracted preview paragraphs from the original source.

At the Open Source Summit in Mumbai, Torvalds discusses the pain and power of AI in the kernel, and why Linux no longer supports 'museum' technology.

MUMBAI -- At Open Source Summit India 2026, Linux creator Linus Torvalds and his friend Dirk Hohndel discussed the current state of Linux and where it's headed.

Read original