Get the latest tech news

Linus Torvalds is sick and tired of your 'pointless links' - and AI is no excuse

Pointless links in proposed code changes are wasting the Linux creator's time - and he's not happy about it. Can you blame him?

With the rise of AI programming, many contributors are now using automated scripts, bots, or platform integrations, such as GitHub or GitLab, that automatically generate hyperlinks for cross-referencing issues, merge requests, and patch submissions. Less experienced or rushed developers are following prescribed workflows or templates that encourage or require the use of links, regardless of relevance. Since there is little oversight or enforcement of best practices, many links are added purely out of habit or compliance, leading to the proliferation of pointless references.

Get the Android app