Definition

Use of LLM-powered agents to automatically review Linux kernel patches — exemplified by Sashiko, a linux-foundation-associated tool that imports patches from LKML/Git and applies kernel-tuned prompts across LLM providers.

Key Points

  • Sparked Jul 2026 maintainer debate; linus-torvalds endorsed AI as useful tooling
  • Not mandatory for contributors; bans on others’ use rejected by Torvalds
  • Contrasts with software-freedom-conservancy guidance supporting LLM refusal rights
  • Signals normalization of coding-agents in core infrastructure workflows

Sources