Insights into Working with Linus Torvalds: A Journey Behind the Developer

Linus Torvalds is a name synonymous with technology, particularly when it comes to the Linux operating system and the version control system, Git. However, how do you work with the man himself? Many developers have worked alongside him, but very few have ever worked directly for him. In this article, we explore what it is like to work with Linus Torvalds, based on personal experiences and reports from those who have interacted with him.

Working with Linus Torvalds: His Work Philosophy and Personality

Many developers have worked on projects with Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux operating system and the founder of Git. However, very few have ever worked for him directly due to his hands-off management style and preference for remote collaboration.

Linus has never held a supervisory or managerial role, despite his immense contributions to the open-source community. As the lead developer of the Linux kernel, he has played a critical role in shaping the most widely-used and successful operating system in the world. Additionally, his work on Git has revolutionized the way software is version-controlled and managed.

Personal Encounters and Experiences

I had the rare opportunity to work alongside Linus Torvalds in a contract position in the same building during a time affectionately known as the Y2K era. It was a period when many companies were dealing with the potential Year 2000 bug, and I was fortunate enough to work in the same building as the man behind the Linux kernel.

Linus was generally pleasant and unassuming, even in this high-pressure environment. I remember an incident where I encountered a kernel panic, an unusual issue for me, while working on a project. On a whim, I decided to see if Linus was around and willing to take a look at it. He was and, within the same day, he fixed the bug I had encountered. This incident was typical of Linus#39; work; it was nothing out of the ordinary, and I would have documented it in a panic report if he wasn#39;t around to directly assist me.

Personality and Communication

Linus Torvalds is known for his bluntness and terseness in communication. His style can sometimes be dismissed as vulgar, but this is a combination of his cultural background and his individual personality. He is by no means more vulgar than the average person; he merely expresses himself in a straightforward and candid manner, much like myself.

I can attest to his straightforward communication. When I get into a state of frustration and unleash a line of invective that would make most sailors and construction workers flinch, it is a result of my cultural and personal background, not different from Linus in any significant way.

Online Collaboration and E-Mail Archives

To truly understand what it is like to work with Linus Torvalds, one need only delve into his voluminous e-mails and public archives. Linus#39; work with others has largely been done online and over e-mail, a preference that aligns with his hands-off approach to management. Many of these archives are publicly available and provide a window into his interactions with developers and other contributors.

Linus#39; approach is marked by a focus on direct, often critical, communication. However, beneath the surface, there is a wealth of understanding and respect for the intricate technical details that go into the creation of open-source software. His willingness to engage in such collaboration has been instrumental in the development of Linux and Git, two cornerstone technologies in the world of computing.

In conclusion, working with Linus Torvalds is a unique experience. His demeanor, communication style, and hands-off approach to management make him a compelling and inspiring figure in the tech community. His impact on open-source software and the development of Linux and Git cannot be overstated, and anyone working in the field would do well to understand his work philosophy and personality.