Linus Torvalds backs AI tools in Linux kernel development amid Sashiko debate

Linus Torvalds publicly endorsed the use of AI tools in Linux kernel development, writing on the Linux kernel mailing list that “Linux is not one of those anti-AI projects.” He said he would “absolutely put my foot down as the top-level maintainer” on that point. His message frames AI tooling as acceptable in the project when it is judged by usefulness and results.

The discussion centers on Sashiko, a Linux Foundation AI-powered code review system for the Linux kernel. The tool uses kernel-specific prompts and its own protocol to automatically review proposed code changes. According to the article, Sashiko can import patches from mailing lists or local Git repositories and works with various LLM providers.

Torvalds acknowledged that some people involved in the kernel community hold anti-LLM views, but said that does not define the kernel project’s position. He argued that AI can be useful, while also recognizing that it may create extra work for maintainers or uncover embarrassing bugs. His bottom line: kernel decisions should be made on technical merits, “not fear of new tools.”

No one is being forced to use AI tools, based on Torvalds’ comments, but efforts to discourage others from using them are unlikely to shape project direction. For maintainers, the practical implication is to evaluate AI-assisted review by whether it improves workflow, code quality, or review efficiency. The debate also signals that AI coding tools are becoming part of mainstream open-source infrastructure discussions, not just side experiments.