Linux Networking Still Seeing "Significantly Bigger" Pull Requests Due To AI
The Linux networking subsystem is experiencing a surge in pull requests, attributed to the assistance of AI and large language models. This trend has resulted in significantly larger contributions compared to previous kernel cycles. Despite some concerns from Linus Torvalds regarding patch quality, the activity continues to grow as the release of Linux 7.1-rc6 approaches.
- ▪Last week's networking fixes for Linux 7.1 included a large pull request driven by AI coding agents.
- ▪The current cycle's pull requests are significantly larger than those in previous cycles, although slightly smaller than the previous week.
- ▪Linus Torvalds expressed disappointment over the number of patches causing unnecessary churn.
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Linux Networking Still Seeing "Significantly Bigger" Pull Requests Due To AI Written by Michael Larabel in Linux Networking on 29 May 2026 at 09:39 AM EDT. Add A Comment Last week's collection of networking subsystem fixes for Linux 7.1 noted craziness continuing with no end in sight with a large pull request of fixes with many of them spurred on by AI/LLM coding agents. This week it's "significantly bigger" than prior kernel cycles for this late stage of kernel development due to this assistance of large language models. The likes of Claude Code and ChatGPT Codex are still leading to increased patch activity with various fixes coming in heavy.
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