That day AI if it’s not completely polarizing, it feels like it never will, and there’s a definite divide between those in favor and those against.
This drama has now come to light Linux kernel requires a long and definitive answer from its creator Linus Torvalds (via GamingOnLinux).
It emerged as a theme that uses artificial intelligence and a tool called “Sashiko” for agent review of changes in the Linux kernel. Then Torvalds tries to put his foot on solid ground.
The full transcript of his response is below:
“Yes.
No, this is not the position of the Linux kernel. I understand that some people don’t really like AI, but this is an area where I am fully prepared to put my foot down as a top-level servant.
Linux is not one of these anti-AI projects, and if anyone has a problem with it, they can go open source and shut it down.
Or just walk away.
AI is a tool like any other tool we use. And it’s clearly useful.
It may not have been “obvious” even a year ago, but it’s no longer the case today.
There are other questions about AI (like what its economics will eventually look like), but “is it useful” is no longer one of those questions. Anyone who doubts this hasn’t actually used it.
Yes, it can be a bit of a pain in the ass, both for maintainer workloads and just in terms of “keeps finding embarrassing errors”.
But the solution is not to bury your head in the sand and sing “La La La, I can’t hear you” at the top of your voice, as some people think.
The solution is to make sure those LLM tools _help__ them instead of causing them pain. There is no question on that side.
We’re not forcing anyone to use it, but I very loudly ignore people who try to argue against other people’s use of it.
No, the AI is not perfect. But Christ, anyone pointing out the problems with AI better look in the mirror and point to themselves at the same time.
Because natural intelligence is not always that great.
The kernel project has been and will be about technology.
Sure, the social aspect of working on open source is important and often a very motivating part of the project, but in the end it’s a side benefit, not the _point_ of the project.
This is *NOT* some kind of “social warrior” project, never has been and never will be.
In the kernel community, we do open source because it results in better technology, not for religious reasons.
So we make decisions primarily on technical merit. Don’t be afraid of new tools.
Linus”
I can already see the forks going up, but let’s take a step back. Although Torvalds flexes some muscles, if you read carefully, he doesn’t really either Defends AI.
“AI is a tool… And it’s clearly useful.” There is no ideology behind it. He’s not saying that the Linux kernel will suddenly be built using artificial intelligence. If more can be used to make certain parts of the process better, then it will be.
As he says, human intelligence isn’t exactly perfect, is it?
It’s a sticky door and sure to spark some debate. Linux is where most of the most serious enthusiasts go, and many have a strong opposition to AI. I won’t go into that because it’s boring and we’ve discussed it a lot.
However, I like Torvalds’ approach. Unlike Microsoft, for example, it has no business interests to expand its bank accounts by encouraging the general public to use AI. There is also an alternative; if you don’t like it, you can pull the plug and make it yourself. Linux already has many custom kernels.
He is simply pragmatic. The demon is free from the lamp; AI is here and ignoring it is simply not an option. Everyone can have their own opinion, but as he says, Linux is not a “social warrior” project. They’re just trying to make the best software, and increasingly that will mean people using artificial intelligence. Like it or not.
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