TL;DR
Linus Torvalds has used so-called "vibe coding" while building an audio project called AudioNoise, saying parts of a Python visualizer were effectively produced by an LLM tool. He has signalled comfort with LLM-assisted coding for hobby or non-critical tasks, while other FOSS figures have also publicly endorsed similar workflows.
What happened
Linus Torvalds disclosed a side project named AudioNoise, described as a tool for generating random digital audio effects based on a previously outlined random guitar pedal board design. The project's README states that the Python visualizer component was largely produced through "vibe-coding," with Torvalds saying he relied on Google Antigravity to generate the audio sample visualizer after an initial do-it-yourself approach. Torvalds has previously taken a measured stance on using large language models for coding; in an on-stage discussion with Dirk Hohndel at Open Source Summit Asia in November he said he was comfortable with vibe coding provided it wasn't applied to work that "matters." The piece notes other FOSS figures — including Mark Pesce and Redis creator Salvatore "Antirez" Sanfilippo — have also spoken favourably about LLM-assisted coding recently. The article also recalls Torvalds' hobbyist electronics and software projects, such as guitar pedals and the Subsurface dive-logging application.
Why it matters
- A prominent systems developer publicly using LLM-assisted coding highlights growing real-world experimentation with such tools in open-source circles.
- Torvalds' caveat — accepting vibe coding for non-critical tasks — frames one practical boundary for LLM use among maintainers.
- Endorsements from other FOSS figures suggest an ongoing shift in attitudes toward AI tools for casual and personalized software creation.
Key facts
- Torvalds revealed a new side project called AudioNoise aimed at creating random digital audio effects.
- The AudioNoise README states the Python visualizer was largely created via "vibe-coding."
- Torvalds said he used the Google Antigravity LLM to generate the audio sample visualizer.
- In November, at Open Source Summit Asia, Torvalds told Dirk Hohndel he was OK with vibe coding so long as it wasn't used for anything important.
- Register columnist Mark Pesce praised vibe coding for encouraging personalized software.
- Redis creator Salvatore "Antirez" Sanfilippo has also written against anti-AI hype and in favour of LLM coding assistants.
- Torvalds has a history of hobby projects including DIY guitar pedals and co-writing Subsurface, a SCUBA dive-logging app that uses Qt and C++.
What to watch next
- Whether Torvalds will apply vibe coding to kernel or other critical projects — not confirmed in the source.
- Community reaction within the Linux kernel and broader FOSS projects to high-profile LLM use — not confirmed in the source.
- Further technical details and releases for AudioNoise (features, code availability, licensing) — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Vibe coding: An informal term for using LLMs or AI tools in a casual, exploratory way to generate code or help with programming tasks.
- LLM (Large Language Model): A type of AI trained on large text datasets that can generate human-like text and assist with tasks like code generation.
- README: A document included with software projects that explains the purpose, installation, usage and development details of the project.
- Audio sample visualizer: A tool or feature that generates a visual representation of audio signals, often used to display waveform or spectral information.
Reader FAQ
What is AudioNoise?
AudioNoise is Torvalds' side project for creating random digital audio effects, based on a random guitar pedal board design.
Which LLM did Torvalds use for the visualizer?
The project README says Torvalds used Google Antigravity to produce the audio sample visualizer.
Has Torvalds endorsed using vibe coding for important projects?
He has said he is comfortable with vibe coding as long as it is not used for anything that matters.
Will this change Linux kernel development practices?
not confirmed in the source
AI + ML Linus Torvalds tries vibe coding, world still intact somehow The Emperor Penguin tries it… just for fun Liam Proven Tue 13 Jan 2026 // 14:55 UTC Perhaps the most famous low-level…
Sources
- Linus Torvalds tries vibe coding, world still intact somehow
- Linus Torvalds' Latest Open-Source Project Is AudioNoise
- [Linuxiac] Linus Torvalds Shares AudioNoise, a Personal Experiment in …
- Even Linus Torvalds is trying his hand at vibe coding (but …
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