The founder of Linux and head maintainer to this day, Linus Torvalds, has recently discussed the use of AI in the Linux kernel. He says AI is “clearly” a useful tool, bluntly stating “Linux is not one of those anti-AI projects” in a recent mailing list message. As a top-level maintainer, Torvalds has put his foot down on the AI stance, saying that, if you disagree, then make your own fork.

Earlier this year, a change in the Linux kernel guidelines meant the floodgates were opened to AI-generated code – as long as it’s human-reviewed and submitters take “full responsibility” for any problems it may cause. And it’s clear that Linux founder Linus Torvalds is positive about the technology, even if other developers shy away from ‘vibing coding’ or are straight up against it.

AI’s role in the development of Linux

“Linux is not one of those anti-AI projects, and if somebody has issues with that, they can do the open-source thing and fork it. Or just walk away,” says Torvalds in a recent message on the Linux Kernel Mailing List. While it can be controversial and produce too much ‘slop’ for some maintainers (like the guys over at Godot), the Linux founder says, “The kernel project has been and will continue to be about the technology” – and AI is now a part of that.

I realize that some people really dislike AI, but this is an area where I’m willing to absolutely put my foot down as the top-level maintainer. Linux is not one of those anti-AI projects, and if somebody has issues with that, they can do the open-source thing and fork it. Or just walk away. AI is a tool, just like other tools we use. And it’s clearly a useful one.

Linux founder Linus Torvalds on Linux Kernel Mailing List, via lore.kernel.org

He admits “AI isn’t perfect” – and even “somewhat painful” at times – but “it’s not like natural intelligence is always all that great either”. Linux maintainers aren’t forcing developers to use AI, but Torvalds says he will ignore anyone trying to argue against it.

Linux maintainers have previously had problems with “unmanageable” AI bug reports flooding the mailing list, and Torvalds again makes reference to that, as it continues to affect maintainers’ workloads or is otherwise highlighting “embarrassing bugs”. However, in the end, the Linux head is fully on board with AI technology – it just needs to be utilized in the right way.

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Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.