Microsoft absorbs GitHub into CoreAI division as CEO plans exit

[Skye Jacobs]

What just happened? Microsoft's integration of GitHub into its CoreAI division signals a bold AI-driven shift in software development. While GitHub Copilot's growth highlights this potential, some in the developer community fear tighter Microsoft control could threaten the platform's independence and open collaboration culture.

Microsoft is poised to fundamentally reshape GitHub – the world's largest code hosting and collaboration platform – following CEO Thomas Dohmke's resignation. This transition ends GitHub's semi-independent status and integrates the platform into Microsoft's newly formed CoreAI division, focused on artificial intelligence development.

Dohmke joined Microsoft after its $7.5 billion acquisition of GitHub in 2018 and became CEO in 2021. During his tenure, he grew the platform's user base to 150 million and led the launch of flagship AI products like GitHub Copilot and Copilot Workspace.

Desiring to return to his entrepreneurial roots, Dohmke told employees that he will stay at GitHub until the end of 2025 before leaving to start a new venture. No successor will replace him as CEO; instead, GitHub's leadership team will report directly to Microsoft's CoreAI division.

Microsoft's CoreAI division launched in early 2025 under Jay Parikh, a former Meta and Lacework executive known for scaling large technology infrastructures. CoreAI brings together Microsoft's platform, developer tools, and infrastructure teams to focus on building AI platforms and tools for both internal use and external customers. This move integrates GitHub's operations into Microsoft's broader AI strategy.

GitHub's Copilot, powered by large language models, has become an essential tool for developers seeking AI-assisted coding. CoreAI's ongoing efforts focus on advancing these AI capabilities, aiming to build new AI agent factories – systems that enable organizations to design and deploy custom AI assistants for code generation, workflow automation, and beyond.

However, this structural merger raises uncertainties. Some developers worry that tighter integration with Microsoft could undermine the independence that helped GitHub thrive. Critics point to Microsoft's history of acquiring companies, then scaling back or shutting down their operations. Still, given GitHub's central role in global coding, few expect immediate disruptions to its operations or the openness of its platform.

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Microsoft absorbs GitHub into CoreAI division as CEO plans exit

 

[NumberNine]

RIP Github.
Years ago, we all saw this coming.
Microsoft will eventually do the horrible thing they promise everyone they won't do.

If they can't use it to train LLMs, sell it to advertisers, or sell it directly on Azure, days are numbered. For everything.

 

[dangh]

Thankfully there are many git repos available, the only issue which one of them won't sell data to ai company. Still a big win to ms and yet again normal people are treated as free source of money...

 

[Axeia]

Thankfully there are many git repos available, the only issue which one of them won't sell data to ai company. Still a big win to ms and yet again normal people are treated as free source of money...

If your code is public in any way it'll be used to train AI.
If the GIT server provider is free and doesn't very explicitly state it won't be used to train AI, it'll be used to train AI.

I've been using the copilot integration in visual studio the last few days and I'm not impressed. The automatic suggestions aren't good enough quality to the point where I feel like they're slowing me down when I use them. And worse because they just show up I feel obliged to read them even when I don't use them.

The 'chat' is just a little bit more convenient than copy pasting between visual studio and a regular chat... Yeah, I'm not impressed.

 

[dangh]

If your code is public in any way it'll be used to train AI.
If the GIT server provider is free and doesn't very explicitly state it won't be used to train AI, it'll be used to train AI.

I've been using the copilot integration in visual studio the last few days and I'm not impressed. The automatic suggestions aren't good enough quality to the point where I feel like they're slowing me down when I use them. And worse because they just show up I feel obliged to read them even when I don't use them.

The 'chat' is just a little bit more convenient than copy pasting between visual studio and a regular chat... Yeah, I'm not impressed.

it seems GitLab only use private repos for training if someone opt-in. Open repose will always be indexed and read by web crawlers so there is no way to protect them.

Anyway, got a small beelink mini to play and probably will set the git server there. Getting tired of large companies ignoring licenses and law to get whatever they want.

As for copilot, it is really bad for anything code related in professional environment. Sure, very small things like 'give me regex' or 'handle this function' works often, but a more serious issues are impossible to solve. Still, it is a good rubber duck if there is no better option around.

Unfortunately, kids will be 'vibe coding' with this crap, making sure performance will tank and root-cause issues will be obscured in their code. cpu and ram companies already calculate the income...

 

[WaphleStomp]

M$ buying github was a sad day, like a betrayal of open source security and coder anonymity. The day I heard about the sale I deleted my GH accounts.

 

[LimyG]

Dam and double Dam!! This really has ruined my day. I like Github and frequently use/visit it.

When ever MS buys out, or takes something over it always makes changes.

Those changes are ALWAYS a detriment to the user. MS will use it in anyway it can as a revenue source. I dread to think how much, to what degree they will screw it up.

But screw it up they will!! GGRRRRRR!!

 

[GrayDragon]

I wonder if there's another source that could be depended on for finding open source software? I would rather use that now.

 

[WaphleStomp]

I wonder if there's another source that could be depended on for finding open source software? I would rather use that now.

• github.com
• codeberg.org
• launchpad.net
• sr.ht
• notabug.org
• gitlab.com
• bitbucket.org
• sourceforge.net

There are other smaller OS hubs; explore, experiment.

Also, if you're not using Windows or Mac, search your OS's available repos, there are lots of treasures.

 

[LimyG]

• github.com
• codeberg.org
• launchpad.net
• sr.ht
• notabug.org
• gitlab.com
• bitbucket.org
• sourceforge.net

There are other smaller OS hubs; explore, experiment.

Also, if you're not using Windows or Mac, search your OS's available repos, there are lots of treasures.

Thanks @WahplStomp. List copied. Cheers.

Edit: Don't laugh (well go ahead) but what about "Fosshub."

 

[WaphleStomp]

Thanks @WahplStomp. List copied. Cheers.

Edit: Don't laugh (well go ahead) but what about "Fosshub."

I'm sure you're aware, but I'll say it anyways; never assume because something is open source it cannot have malicious code. Open source is about transparency and freedom, it's not a guarantee of zero bugs, problems, malware, or anything else.
The site claims clean and fast multi-cdn downloads, but unfortunately in 2016 they suffered a serious security breach resulting in downloads containing malicious installers,
... according to pcworld:
pcworld_link
... it seems issues persisted into 2018 until/when personnel changes were made:
reddit_link
... so, consider that was several years ago, I haven't found any search results for more recent notable issues.
No site is 100% safe, use checksum comparisons, scan unknown software with malware scanners, test/run software in VMs, disconnected from any networks, and if you're code-savvy read the code yourself.
I've never used the site, I have other preferences.

 

[LimyG]

Thanks again man. In fact, yes I am aware of what you said, but it's important, so I'm glad you posted it.

Edit: Fosshub kind of sprung to mind. I rarely use it and don't even remember the last time, but was curious about it.