Linux Foundation report finds AI cuts coding time but burdens maintainers
Survey respondents estimated AI cut code-writing time by 52%, while maintainers said a quarter of incoming pull requests are low-quality "AI slop."
The Linux Foundation published a report on October 22, 2026, finding that AI speeds up code writing but shifts review and maintenance work onto project maintainers through low-quality, AI-generated pull requests, according to TechRadar.
Respondents estimated that AI cut code-writing time by an average of 52%. But maintainers estimated that 25% of incoming pull requests are low-quality "AI slop," and in large projects that figure rises to 31%.
Volume has grown too: 59% of maintainers said code contributions increased after generative AI spread, rising to 69% in large projects. Meanwhile, 21% of respondents said AI makes complex tasks take longer.
Where the saved time goes varies. 66% of respondents said they use it to address technical debt, 63% for new feature development and 58% for learning and upskilling. 61% said they review AI-generated code in detail and test all functionality before submitting it.
Governance remains uneven: 35% of projects have an official policy permitting generative AI use, while 32% have no policy and no plan to create one. The Linux Foundation called for clearer contribution standards for AI use, contributor responsibility for testing and disclosing AI use, and better tools for maintainers.
Quick answers
How much time does AI save on code writing, according to the report?
Respondents estimated an average reduction of 52% in code-writing time.
What share of pull requests do maintainers consider low-quality "AI slop"?
Maintainers estimated 25% of incoming pull requests, and 31% in large projects.