FreeBSD doesn't have Wi-Fi driver for my old MacBook. AI build one for me
Hacker News
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
An old 2016 MacBook Pro with a "flexgate" issue has become the unexpected star of a story about FreeBSD and AI-assisted coding. The laptop, which suffered from a hardware flaw causing its display to crack under pressure, was repurposed as a test machine for FreeBSD, an operating system the author had long wanted to explore. However, the journey took an unusual twist when the author attempted to use Claude Code, an AI coding assistant, to port the Linux brcmfmac Wi-Fi driver for Broadcom BCM4350 chips to FreeBSD. While the initial idea seemed promising, the project quickly hit roadblocks, including kernel panics and compatibility issues with FreeBSD's LinuxKPI layer.
The author detailed the challenges of integrating the brcmfmac driver into FreeBSD, which lacks native support for the BCM4350 chip. Despite early optimism, the AI-generated code failed to work as intended. The module either caused system crashes or performed no functionality, highlighting the complexity of porting drivers between operating systems. Claude Code, while capable of generating large diffs and adding FreeBSD-specific shims, struggled with missing features in LinuxKPI, leading to a ballooning project scope and minimal progress.
This story raises intriguing questions about the role of AI in software development, particularly in complex tasks like driver porting. While tools like Claude Code can automate certain aspects of code translation, they often require significant manual intervention to address edge cases and compatibility issues. The author's experience underscores the challenges of bridging Linux and FreeBSD ecosystems, even with modern AI assistance.
Ultimately, the project serves as a cautionary tale about the limitations of AI in handling intricate software projects. While AI can accelerate initial steps, such as code generation and debugging, human expertise remains essential for navigating the nuances of driver development and operating system integration. For tech enthusiasts and developers exploring FreeBSD or similar systems, this story highlights the importance of thorough testing, patience, and a solid understanding of underlying architectures.
The broader takeaway is that while AI tools are powerful, they are not yet capable of completely replacing human ingenuity in complex technical projects. The journey of trying to build a native FreeBSD driver for the BCM4350 chip may have ended without success, but it offers valuable insights into the interplay between AI and traditional software development practices. For those interested in FreeBSD, hardware hacking, or AI's role in tech, this story provides a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and opportunities of repurposing legacy hardware in modern computing environments.
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/23/2026