Sashiko: how a language model helps review Linux kernel patches

Patch review has long been one of the constraints limiting Linux kernel development — and that of most large projects. Far more people want to submit code for inclusion than there are reviewers able to look at it carefully. This shortage of reviewers caps the pace at which changes make it into the kernel.

The Sashiko system offers some relief: it uses a large language model to generate reviews automatically. According to its authors, it has already become an important part of the kernel's development process.

At Kernel Recipes 2026, Sashiko maintainer Roman Gushchin gave an overview of how the system works and what is being done to improve it.

The talk goes into detail on the project's inner workings and the directions of future work.

Source: LWN.net