Linus Torvalds Defends AI Against Criticism in the Linux Community

Linus Torvalds Defends AI Against Criticism in the Linux Community

Linus Torvalds has publicly supported AI tools in kernel development, stating on the mailing list that "Linux is not one of those anti-AI projects."

The debate was sparked by Sashiko, an AI-powered code review system from the Linux Foundation that automatically analyzes proposed code changes for the kernel.

Torvalds emphasized that decisions in the kernel project are based on technical merit, "not on fear of new tools."

In an email to the Linux kernel mailing list, Linus Torvalds expressed his unwavering support for the use of AI tools in Linux development.

"Linux is not one of those anti-AI projects," Torvalds wrote, adding that he "would absolutely stand his ground as the main maintainer" on this point. Anyone with a problem "can do what open-source does and fork. Or just walk away."

This statement comes amid a debate over Sashiko, an AI-powered code review system for the Linux kernel. Sashiko uses kernel-specific prompts and its own protocol to automatically review proposed code changes. The tool can import patches directly from mailing lists or local Git repositories and works with various LLM providers. It is a project of the Linux Foundation.

Torvalds' comments were prompted by criticism from developer Roman Gushchin, who pointed out a "very anti-LLM stance in general" that undermined Sashiko's goal of easing the workload for maintainers.

Torvalds Prioritizes Technical Merit Over Ideology

Torvalds acknowledged the anti-LLM position of some involved individuals but made it clear that it does not represent the stance of the Linux kernel. AI is "clearly useful," he stated, even if it was less obvious a year ago.

"Anyone who doubts it clearly hasn't actually used it," Torvalds wrote. He recognized that AI could also be "painful," such as creating extra work for maintainers or uncovering "embarrassing bugs." But the response is not to "stick your head in the sand and sing 'La La La, I can't hear you' at the top of your lungs."

AI is not perfect, Torvalds said, but neither is human intelligence. No one is forced to use it. However, he will "loudly ignore" those who try to dissuade others from using it. The kernel project makes decisions based on technical merit. "Not on fear of new tools." A guide for kernel maintainers on using Sashiko is available on GitHub.